Europe Sees Solar Power Take Lead as Top Energy Source in June

Solar energy became the largest single source of electricity in the European Union for the first time in June, according to clean energy think tank Ember. Solar panels generated 22.1% of the EU’s electricity during the month, surpassing all other energy sources.

At least 13 EU countries reached record-high monthly solar generation, driven by both the expansion of solar capacity in recent years and extended periods of sunny, hot weather, Ember noted.

The surge in solar output helped the EU meet increased electricity demand during late-June heatwaves, allowing the power system to remain stable.

Following solar, nuclear energy accounted for 21.8% of electricity generation, wind for 15.8%, gas for 14.4%, and hydropower for 12.8%.

Ember also reported that wind power reached a new record across Europe, while coal-fired power generation dropped to its lowest share ever—6.1%, down from 8.8% in 2024.

However, despite coal’s declining share, coal usage rose in absolute terms during the first half of 2025 due to a more than 2% increase in overall electricity demand compared to the same period last year.