Renewables muscle fossil fuels out of EU electricity market, says research

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by John T PsaropoulosJanuary 22, 2026 at 08:46 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

In 2025, solar and wind power generated more electricity than coal and gas in the European Union for the first time, according to a report by the think tank Ember. This milestone, driven by a surge in solar power, marks a significant step in Europe's transition to renewable energy. Solar and wind accounted for 30% of EU electricity, surpassing the 29% generated by fossil fuels. When combined with hydroelectricity and biomass, renewables comprised 48% of the electricity market, with nuclear power contributing an additional 23%. The increase in solar power was partly fueled by the energy crisis resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Globally, solar and wind are increasingly displacing fossil fuels in the electricity market.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

China 30% United States 30% Japan 30% International Energy Agency 50% Beatrice Petrovich 50% Russia 60% Ukraine ×260% European Union ×480% Ember ×590%

Keywords

renewable energy 100% solar power 90% wind power 90% fossil fuels 80% eu electricity market 80% energy transition 70% green energy 60% rooftop solar panels 50% energy autonomy 50% ember 40%