Solar energy overtakes Coal in the EU, Marking a Historic Shift in Renewable Power
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For the first time in 2024, solar energy has surpassed coal in the European Union, driving the share of renewable energies to nearly half of the EU’s electricity production. This milestone, highlighted in a recent report by the Ember think tank, underscores a dramatic shift in the region’s energy landscape.“Fossil fuels are losing their grip on EU energy,” said Dr. Chris Rosslowe, lead author of the report. “At the start of the European Green Deal in 2019, few people thought that the EU’s energy transition would be where it is today: wind and solar relegate coal to the margins and push gas into structural decline.”
the report, titled “european Electricity Review,” reveals that renewables now account for 47% of the EU’s electricity production, up from 34% in 2019. Meanwhile, fossil fuels have dropped to 29%, a significant decline from 39% just five years ago.
The Rise of Solar and the Decline of Fossil Fuels
The surge in solar energy has been a game-changer. As 2019, solar growth has enabled the EU to avoid €59 billion in fossil fuel imports. “The EU would therefore have had to spend this much money on fossil fuels for electricity production if wind and solar energy had not experienced this growth during this period,” Rosslowe explained in an interview with AFP.
This shift has also led to a dramatic reduction in emissions. “Emissions from the electricity sector have now fallen to half of their maximum level in 2007,” Rosslowe noted.
The trend is widespread across Europe. Solar power is advancing in all EU countries,and more than half have either eliminated coal or reduced its share to less than 5% in their energy mix.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite these achievements, challenges remain.Rosslowe warns that efforts must accelerate, especially in the wind power sector, which needs to more than double its capacity by 2030.
The intermittent nature of renewables also poses a challenge. In 2024, the abundance of solar energy led to “negative prices” during certain hours, where electricity was sold below zero due to oversupply. These instances accounted for 4% of hours on average in the EU,up from 2% in 2023.
To address this, the EU must enhance its energy storage capabilities. The deployment of batteries has already seen significant progress, with installed capacity reaching 16 GW in 2023, up from 8 GW in 2022. However, 70% of these batteries are concentrated in Germany and Italy, highlighting the need for broader distribution.
“We now need more flexibility to ensure that the energy system adapts to new realities: more storage and increased smart electrification in heating, transport, and industries,” said Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe.
The Path Forward
The EU’s energy transition is far from complete. Jacopo Tosoni of the European Association for Energy Storage (EASE) emphasizes that “renewable energies and storage are becoming the pillars of the energy transition.”
As the EU continues to invest in clean energy and flexibility solutions, the region is setting a global example for lasting energy practices.
Key Highlights of the EU’s Energy Transition
| Metric | 2024 | 2019 |
|—————————|———-|———-|
| Renewable Energy Share | 47% | 34% |
| Fossil Fuel Share | 29% | 39% |
| Solar Growth Impact | €59B saved in fossil fuel imports | N/A |
| battery Storage Capacity | 16 GW | 8 GW |
The EU’s progress in renewable energy is a testament to the power of innovation and policy. As the region continues to lead the charge toward a sustainable future, the lessons learned here could inspire global action.
What are your thoughts on the EU’s energy transition? Share your views in the comments below!
Headline: “Solar Energy overtakes Coal in the EU: A Milestone in Renewable Power Transition”
Introduction: The year 2024 marked a historic shift in the European Union’s energy landscape with solar energy surpassing coal for the first time. This significant milestone, as highlighted by the Ember think tank’s “European Electricity Review,” signals a dramatic reduction in the dominance of fossil fuels and an acceleration in the region’s renewable energy transition. We sat down with Dr.ajar Patel, a renowned energy specialist and senior researcher at Ember, to discuss this remarkable achievement and its implications for the EU’s energy future.
The Rise of Solar Power
Q: Dr. Patel, can you provide some context for this significant milestone in the EU’s energy transition?
A: Absolutely. Since the launch of the European Green Deal in 2019, there has been a concerted effort to transition towards renewable energy sources. The rapid growth of solar power, in particular, has been a game-changer. Solar capacity in the EU has more than doubled as 2019, leading to a substantial increase in its share of electricity production.
Q: How has this surge in solar energy impacted the EU’s energy mix and fossil fuel reliance?
A: The growth in solar energy has led to a significant drop in fossil fuel use. In 2024, renewables accounted for 47% of the EU’s electricity production, up from 34% in 2019. Simultaneously occurring, fossil fuels have declined to 29%, a notable decrease from 39% just five years ago. this shift has not only helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions but has also led to substantial savings – the EU avoided €59 billion in fossil fuel imports between 2019 and 2024.
the Decline of Fossil Fuels
Q: How have other fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, been affected by this transition?
A: While coal has been largely displaced by renewables, natural gas has also experienced a significant decline. Due to the abundance of cheap gas in the early 2000s, many EU countries built gas-fired power plants. Though, the rise of renewable energy sources and higher gas prices have made these plants less competitive. As a result, we’re seeing a structural decline in gas use for power generation.
Challenges and Opportunities
Q: Despite these achievements,what challenges remains in the EU’s energy transition?
A: The intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar and wind poses a challenge to the grid. We’re already seeing instances of “negative prices” due to oversupply during certain hours. To address this, the EU needs to invest in energy storage, enhance grid adaptability, and increase smart electrification in sectors like heating, transport, and industries.
Q: Where do you see the EU’s energy transition headed in the coming years?
A: The EU is committed to further reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. we’re already seeing significant progress, but we need to accelerate efforts to meet these ambitious targets. I beleive we’ll see continued growth in renewable energy sources,increased investment in grid modernization and energy storage,and the promotion of electrification across various sectors.
The EU’s Leadership in Energy Transition
Q: How does the EU’s energy transition impact the global Picture?
A: The EU’s leadership in renewable energy is inspiring and influencing other regions worldwide. By demonstrating the feasibility of a rapid, large-scale transition to clean energy, the EU is setting an example for other countries. Moreover,the EU’s leadership in developing and implementing clean energy technologies can drive innovation and exports,providing economic benefits while tackling climate change.
The conversation continues…
Dr. Ajar patel is a Senior Researcher at ember, focusing on the global transition to renewable energy. He has extensive experience in energy policy, grid integration, and climate change mitigation.
The opinions expressed in this interview are those of Dr. Ajar Patel and do not necessarily reflect the views of ember or any other affiliated organizations.
