The Rise of Solar: How the EU Surpassed Coal for the First Time
The Rise of Solar: How the EU Surpassed Coal for the First Time Introduction In a groundbreaking shift toward renewable energy, the European Union has achieved a historic milestone: for the first time, solar energy has surpassed coal in electricity generation . This achievement underscores the EU’s leadership in the global energy transition, driven by ambitious climate goals and a commitment to a sustainable future. As we unpack this pivotal moment, it’s essential to explore the policies, technologies, and societal changes that made it possible—and what this means for the rest of the world. The Turning Point: EU’s Energy Transition Recent energy data reveals that solar power accounted for a larger share of electricity generation than coal in the EU during 2024. According to statistics from Ember Climate , solar and wind combined produced 22% of the EU’s electricity, with solar alone generating 10.3%. This marks a significant rise from just 2% a decade ago. The decline in coal’s...