Solar power overtakes nuclear and wind to lead EU energy mix for the first time
Solar power became the European Union’s biggest source of electricity for the first time in June, overtaking nuclear and wind energy. Coal’s share dropped to a record low, data from energy think tank Ember shows.
Solar energy made up 22.1 percent of the EU’s electricity last month – the highest proportion to date, and up from 18.9 percent a year ago. That figure puts it just ahead of nuclear energy at 21.8 percent, while wind supplied around 16 percent.
At least 13 EU countries broke their own monthly solar energy records in June, with Germany, Spain and the Netherlands among the top contributors.
The Netherlands now gets more than 40 percent of its electricity from the sun, while Greece reached 35 percent.
Countries including Belgium, Croatia, France, Hungary, Italy, Portugal and Slovakia also hit new solar energy highs.
“This milestone shows how rapidly the EU’s power system is changing,” said Chris Rosslowe, senior energy analyst at Ember and lead author of the report. “Solar is stepping up when it’s needed most – during summer heatwaves and peak demand.”
France falling short of climate targets as emissions dip slows
Coal at historic low
Coal’s share of the EU electricity mix fell to just over 6 percent in June – the lowest ever and down from nearly 9 percent a year earlier.
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