In a landmark moment for renewable energy, the European Union achieved a significant milestone in June 2025 when solar power emerged as the primary source of its electricity generation. According to official data from Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, solar power accounted for an impressive 22% of the bloc’s electricity, narrowly surpassing nuclear energy (21.6%) for the first time. This historic achievement underscores the rapid acceleration of the EU’s green transition and the sun’s rising dominance in the continent’s energy landscape.
EU solar energy: Solar Power Surpasses Gas and Nuclear
June 2025 will be remembered as the month solar took the lead in the EU’s power grid. Data confirmed by Eurostat and analyzed by think tanks like Ember shows that solar generation decisively outpaced not only nuclear power but also natural gas, which contributed 13.8%. This shift is not an isolated event but part of a powerful, broader trend. For the entire second quarter of 2025, renewable sources collectively generated 54% of the EU’s net electricity, demonstrating a sustained move away from fossil fuels.
This milestone reflects the EU’s growing commitment to its climate goals and energy independence. The consistent growth in solar and wind, which together generated 33% of the EU’s electricity in the first half of 2025, highlights the declining role of traditional energy sources in the region’s evolving energy mix.
EU solar energy: Solar Power Growth and Impact on Fossil Fuels
The ascent of solar power has directly contributed to the displacement of fossil fuels. Across the EU, electricity from fossil fuels—including coal, gas, and oil—dropped to just 26% in the first half of 2025, down from 30% during the same period in 2024. This significant reduction is a direct result of increased renewable generation capacity and a continent-wide push for energy efficiency.
The EU’s solar power generation grew by a remarkable 22% in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year. This expansion is fueled by a combination of supportive policies, technological advancements in the solar panel manufacturing process, and falling production costs. Understanding the basics of solar panel manufacturing reveals how innovations in handling solar panel raw materials and deploying advanced solar panel manufacturing machines have made solar energy more accessible and affordable than ever. The continued reduction in the solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown has made it an increasingly competitive primary energy source.
Germany and Spain Lead in EU solar energy Generation
Germany and Spain have been pivotal in driving the EU’s solar expansion. In June 2025, solar was the top electricity source in both nations. Germany produced a massive 11.7 terawatt-hours from solar, while Spain generated 9.7 terawatt-hours. In Spain, the combination of wind and solar met nearly half of the country’s electricity demand (46%) in the first half of 2025, a testament to its renewable prowess.
For homeowners and tenants in Germany, this success is tangible. Favorable government policies and streamlined regulations have led to a surge in residential installations, including wildly popular “balcony power plants” (Balkonkraftwerke). These small-scale systems allow individuals to generate their own electricity, contributing directly to the national grid and reducing energy bills.
Beyond these leaders, other nations are also showing remarkable progress. For example, Hungary solar power Leads Europe with 7800 MW by 2025, with some days seeing a stunning 42% electricity from solar. Countries like Slovakia are also poised for significant expansion, with Slovakia solar 2025: Unique Panel Growth Expected. Detailed analyses, such as the Hungary Solar Panel Manufacturing Report, provide deeper insights into these national success stories.
While this milestone is a major achievement, experts note that the work is far from over. Efforts must continue to expand renewable capacity to ensure it can permanently replace fossil fuels year-round, not just during sunny summer months.
The EU’s success story provides a powerful blueprint for the global energy transition. As solar and wind power continue their upward trajectory, the bloc is solidifying its role as a leader in decarbonization, demonstrating a viable path toward a sustainable energy future that nations worldwide, from Uruguay to Asia, are watching closely.
To learn more about the intricacies of solar technology and how you can be part of this energy revolution, consider enrolling in our free e-course on solar panel manufacturing.
