In 2025, wind and solar power overtook fossil fuels to become the primary electricity source in the European Union.
EU Achieves Energy Milestone
In 2025, wind and solar power generated 30% of the European Union’s electricity, surpassing fossil fuels at 29%, according to Ember’s latest report. This marks a significant milestone in the continent’s energy transition.
Donald Trump, during his over-hour speech at the Davos Economic Forum, spent considerable time criticizing windmills, arguing that renewable energy and countries using them are “losers.”
The trend toward renewable energy has accelerated in the last five years, with solar panel production increasing by 20% last year. Solar power alone generated more electricity than coal in the EU in 2025.
Renewables Outpace Fossil Fuels Across Europe
Wind and solar energy generated more electricity than all fossil fuels combined in 14 of the EU’s 27 member countries in 2025. In several countries, clean energy sources (renewables and nuclear) have surpassed fossil fuels.
Coal production fell below 10% across the entire EU, while wind farms remain the second-largest source of electricity in the union, despite producing slightly less power than in 2024 due to unusual weather conditions and slower construction rates.
Poland remains behind in the EU’s energy transition, emitting more climate pollution per unit of electricity than any other European country. However, coal’s share in Poland’s energy mix reached a record low of 51-52% in 2025.
The Gas Dependency Challenge
While coal is becoming marginal in Europe, gas remains a significant problem as most is imported, exposing the EU to price increases and political pressure. Ember’s analysis shows that gas leads to higher electricity prices, unlike solar energy which reduces them.
Gas is currently an essential part of the energy system, working in tandem with renewables to supplement production when they are not operating. The increase in gas-powered electricity generation in 2025 was mainly due to reduced hydroelectric power output caused by weather conditions.
Energy storage solutions, with rapidly falling battery costs, could help reduce gas dependency. These systems allow utilizing excess renewable energy production, such as charging batteries during midday and using them in the evening. California is already reducing gas usage through such methods.
Poland’s Energy Storage Opportunity
Paradoxically, Poland is one of the world’s largest exporters of energy storage technology but lags in domestic installations. However, if all planned and under-construction projects are completed, Poland could move into Europe’s top tier for energy storage capacity.
“This is an opportunity to strengthen the country’s energy security and further develop our battery industry,” commented Paweł Czyżak, director of the European program at Ember.
Experts like Zuzanna Nowak emphasize that “one cannot assume that renewable sources will themselves provide full independence.” To replace fossil fuel dependency with dependency on imported technologies, Europe needs to control supply chains and develop its own industrial and technological base, according to Nowak.