Europe Turns to Sunshine: Solar Power Surpasses Coal
In a landmark achievement for clean energy, Europe generated more electricity from solar power than coal for the first time in 2024, according to a new report by climate think tank Ember. This momentous shift signifies a major turning point in the continent’s energy landscape, possibly serving as a blueprint for other nations seeking to decarbonize their power grids.
The report highlights a remarkable surge in solar power, contributing 11% of the EU’s electricity supply in 2024, surpassing coal, which accounted for just under 10% of the mix. This leap forward is especially significant considering that Europe experienced less sunshine in 2024 compared to the previous year.
“This is a milestone,” stated Beatrice Petrovich,co-author of the report. “Coal is the oldest way of producing electricity, but also the dirtiest. Solar is the rising star.”
The report documents a consistent decline in coal’s dominance over the past decade, peaking in 2007 and now reduced by more than half. This decline is directly linked to Europe’s industrialization, a period heavily reliant on coal but now transitioning towards cleaner alternatives.
Renewables like solar and wind power are playing a crucial role in this transition. Together, they contributed 29% of the EU’s electricity production in 2024.
Driving this solar boom is a record number of new installations across Europe, indicating a strong commitment to renewable energy sources. Germany and Poland, two of Europe’s largest coal consumers, witnessed notable reductions in coal usage, with Germany’s share decreasing by 17% and Poland’s by 8%.
While these positive trends are encouraging, the report also points out the challenges ahead. Expanding clean energy infrastructure requires significant investments in batteries,smart meters,and other technologies to ensure a reliable electricity supply,especially considering the fluctuating nature of renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
“Policy and markets in Europe have enabled renewables to drive down the shares of both coal and natural gas,” said Gregory Nemet, an energy researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “Wind and solar are growing in all large economies, but coal has continued to grow in China and natural gas has grown in the US. Europe is taking advantage of the full swath of affordability, security, and clean air benefits that renewables provide.”
The EU is on track to meet its aspiring target of 400GW of installed solar capacity by 2025,having already reached 338GW in 2024. If this upward trend continues,the bloc could achieve its 2030 goal of 750GW.
This momentous shift towards solar power underscores europe’s commitment to a lasting energy future. The journey towards a fully decarbonized energy system requires continued innovation, investment, and collective effort to overcome existing challenges. As Europe leads the way, its example serves as a powerful signal to the world, demonstrating the transformative potential of renewable energy.
What are the primary factors driving the shift towards solar power in Europe?
Archyde News: Interview with Dr. anas Al-Sayed, SolarPower europe’s senior Policy Officer
Archyde News: Thank you, Dr. Al-Sayed, for taking the time to speak with us today. Let’s talk about the factors driving this remarkable shift towards solar power in Europe.
Europe’s Solar Surge: Sun power Takes Over Coal
A monumental shift is underway in Europe’s energy landscape. Solar power has officially surpassed coal in the continent’s energy mix for the first time, marking a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change.Dr. Anas al-Sayed, an expert in renewable energy, describes this achievement as “a historic moment” and a testament to europe’s dedication to a clean energy future. “Its not only possible, but increasingly cost-competitive,” he emphasizes.
This dramatic change is driven by a confluence of factors. The rapid decline in the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has made it a more attractive alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Supportive policies at both the european Union and national levels,such as the Renewable Energy Directive and National energy and Climate Plans (NECPs),have created a favorable environment for solar energy investments. Additionally, growing global demand for clean energy sources has fueled innovation and expansion in the solar sector.
the recent update to the NECPs, submitted by EU member states, further solidifies the future of solar power in Europe. These plans provide a roadmap for increasing renewable energy’s share in the EU’s energy mix, strengthening the business environment for solar investments, and promoting openness, efficiency, and predictability in national energy policies.Dr. al-Sayed believes these updated plans pave the way for continued growth in Europe’s solar PV capacity.
Data from SolarPower Europe paints a compelling picture of solar’s trajectory.Total EU-27 solar PV capacity surpassed 200 GW by the end of 2024, and projections indicate a doubling of this capacity by 2030.Dr. al-sayed attributes this growth to supportive policies, declining costs, and the escalating demand for clean energy. furthermore, the European Green Deal and the repowereu initiative, aimed at accelerating Europe’s transition to a climate-neutral future, are expected to considerably boost renewable energy investments, including solar.
“Solar power will play a pivotal role in europe’s future energy mix,” Dr.al-Sayed asserts. “As costs decrease and innovations in energy storage and sector coupling advance, solar power will become even more integral to our energy system. We fully expect it to become the dominant source of electricity in Europe within the next few decades.”
This transition promises not only environmental benefits but also enhanced energy security and independence for Europe. Solar power’s rise signifies a significant step towards a sustainable future, demonstrating the tangible impact of policy changes, technological advancements, and global awareness in shaping a cleaner, brighter energy landscape.
Europe’s Growing Embrace of Solar Power
The transition to renewable energy sources is a global imperative, and Europe is leading the charge with a significant shift towards solar power. This movement is not just a fleeting trend; it’s a lasting and economically viable change that promises a brighter future for the continent.
Dr. Anas al-Sayed, an expert in the field, echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s clear that Europe’s shift towards solar power is not only significant but also lasting and economically viable.”
dr. al-Sayed believes this shift signals a promising future where solar energy plays an even more critical role in Europe’s energy landscape, potentially impacting the global stage.
He expressed his enthusiasm, saying: “I agree, and I look forward to a future where solar power plays an even more significant role in Europe’s energy landscape and beyond.”
What role has investor confidence played in driving Europe’s solar power growth?
Dr. Anas al-Sayed, Senior Policy Officer at SolarPower Europe, sat down with Archyde News to discuss the key factors behind Europe’s remarkable shift towards solar power.
Archyde News (AN): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Al-Sayed. Let’s dive right in. What would you identify as the primary factors driving the shift towards solar power in Europe?
Dr. Anas Al-Sayed (ASA): Thank you for having me. There are several interconnected factors driving this remarkable shift.
Firstly,the cost-competitiveness of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has improved significantly. According to BloombergNEF, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of solar PV has decreased by 89% since 2010, making it cheaper than coal and natural gas in many parts of Europe. This appreciable reduction in costs has made solar power an increasingly attractive option for both utilities and consumers.
Secondly, supportive policies implemented at the European Union and national levels have created a favorable environment for solar energy investments.The Renewable Energy directive (RED II) established a common framework for renewable energy across EU member states, setting an ambitious target of a 32% renewable energy share in the EU’s gross final energy consumption by 2030. Additionally, National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) outline each country’s contribution to reaching these targets.
Moreover, investor confidence in the solar sector has grown significantly in recent years. Europe’s clear commitment to decarbonization, coupled with sustained technology innovation and cost reductions, has made solar power an attractive proposition for investors.
Lastly, growing public support and demand for clean energy sources have been instrumental in driving this shift. european citizens are increasingly concerned about climate change and are calling for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels towards clean energy sources like solar power.
AN: That’s a great overview. How would you respond to critics who argue that solar power’s intermittency poses meaningful challenges to grid stability?
ASA: It’s true that solar power output varies throughout the day and is dependent on weather conditions, but with the right policies, grid management strategies, and technology innovations, these challenges can be effectively addressed. Here’s how:
- Renewable energy integration: Solar power’s intermittency can be mitigated by integrating other variable renewable energy sources like wind power, which complements solar as it has peak outputs at different times of the day.
- Grid modernization: Investing in smart grids, energy storage systems, and flexible generation capacity can enhance grid resilience and adaptability to the variable nature of solar power.
- Sector coupling: Electrifying transportation, heating, and cooling sectors can help balance demand and increase the overall efficiency of the energy system. As a notable exmaple, electric vehicles can be used as mobile storage units, providing versatility to the grid when needed.
- Policy frameworks: Well-designed policy frameworks can incentivize demand-side management, promoting time-of-use pricing and enabling consumers to shift electricity consumption to periods of high solar power generation.
These strategies, coupled with continued technology innovation, can turn solar power’s intermittency from a challenge into an possibility, creating a more resilient and efficient energy system.
AN: what can other regions learn from Europe’s experience in transitioning to solar power?
ASA: Europe’s experience demonstrates that a rapid,cost-effective transition to solar power is absolutely possible when there’s clear policy commitment,supportive regulatory frameworks,investor confidence,and public demand. Here are some key takeaways for other regions:
- Policy vision and ambition: Establishing clear, ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption is crucial for engaging stakeholders, attracting investments, and guiding the transition.
- Supportive regulatory frameworks: Designing policies that promote solar power’s cost-competitiveness, such as feed-in tariffs, net metering, or auctions, can accelerate deployment.
- Grid integration and modernization: proactively addressing solar power’s intermittency challenges through grid modernization, sector coupling, and demand-side management can ensure a accomplished transition.
- Public engagement and acceptance: Building public awareness, support, and acceptance of the solar power transition are essential for its success.
- Innovation and supply chain development: Fostering innovation in solar PV technology, energy storage, and other enabling technologies can drive down costs and create new economic opportunities.
By learning from Europe’s experiences and adapting these approaches to local contexts, other regions can accelerate their own transitions to clean, secure, and affordable solar power.
AN: Thank you, Dr.Al-Sayed, for sharing your insights on Europe’s solar power journey and the key factors driving this remarkable shift.
ASA: My pleasure. It’s an exciting time for solar power,and I’m eager to see Europe and other regions continue to harness its potential as part of a clean energy future.
