Solar power surged across Europe this summer, becoming the EU's top electricity source in May and June and supplying a record 25% of the bloc's power in June. Spain and Germany each got more than one-third of their electricity from solar, and Hungary approached 50%. The shift from around 10% five years ago has been driven by faster renewables deployment after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, helping cut electricity-sector CO2 emissions by nearly 20% from 2020 to 2025. New geopolitical tensions and an EU Electrification Action Plan are likely to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.
Europe's Brightest Summer Yet: Solar Supplies a Record 25% of EU Electricity
Solar is having its best summer yet in Europe
Europe has enjoyed an exceptionally sunny start to summer, with solar generation surging across the continent. New data from think tank Ember shows that solar was the European Union's largest source of electricity across May and June, supplying a record 25% of the bloc's power in June.
Several member states recorded even higher shares: Spain and Germany drew more than one-third of their electricity from solar in June, while Hungary approached nearly 50%.
Rapid Growth Since 2020
The pace of solar deployment in Europe has accelerated markedly. Around five years ago, even during the sunniest months, solar provided roughly 10% of the EU's electricity. Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine disrupted gas supplies and exposed the risks of heavy reliance on fossil fuels, prompting governments to speed up renewables deployment beyond earlier plans.
Cleaner Power Mix
Rising solar output has displaced coal and natural gas on the EU grid, contributing to a substantial decline in emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions from the EU electricity sector fell by nearly one-fifth between 2020 and 2025, according to the Ember data.
Geopolitics and Policy Are Driving Further Change
Analysts, including those at Ember, warn that recent geopolitical tensions — such as the conflict involving Iran and the resulting rise in fossil-fuel prices — could further accelerate investment in renewable energy. In response to market and security pressures, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen unveiled a new Electrification Action Plan intended to double the EU's current pace of electrification.
"The age of fossil fuels is coming to an end," Jørgensen said as he announced the plan.
Faster electrification paired with continued solar growth would strengthen energy security, cut import dependence on fuels, and help the bloc meet its climate targets.
About this series: This article is part of Canary Media's "Chart of the Week" series, supported by Amazon. The series uses data-driven reporting to track shifts in energy markets and policy.
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