EU Hits 47% Green Electricity as Solar Surges Past Expectations

Europe just hit a climate milestone that seemed impossible two decades ago: nearly half of all electricity now comes from renewable sources.

The EU's green electricity use soared to 47.5% in 2024, up from just 16% in 2004. That's a transformation powered by wind, water, and an explosive growth in solar energy that's reshaping the continent's energy future.

Austria leads the pack with an impressive 90% renewable electricity, thanks to its 16 hydroelectric power plants. Sweden follows closely at 88%, while Denmark captures third place at 80% with its sprawling network of wind farms dotting coastlines and countryside.

The success stories extend beyond Nordic countries. Portugal now runs on 66% green electricity, Spain on 60%, and Croatia on 58%, proving that renewable energy works across diverse climates and geographies.

Solar power tells the most exciting story. In 2008, solar accounted for barely 1% of renewable electricity. Today it generates 23% and produces 304 terawatt hours annually.

Energy expert Ben McWilliams from Bruegel says solar will likely overtake hydroelectric power as Europe's second-largest renewable source within the next few years. Developers continue building solar installations at record speed while hydro capacity remains relatively flat.

The Ripple Effect

This solar surge delivers benefits far beyond clean air. Every new solar panel installed reduces Europe's dependence on imported oil, gas, and coal, strengthening energy security across the continent.

The rapid growth addresses a critical vulnerability. McWilliams points out that fossil fuel dependencies pose the real threat to European energy security, not the current reliance on Chinese solar panel manufacturing.

Once installed, solar panels become permanent fixtures generating electricity for decades. Even if Chinese imports stopped tomorrow, European manufacturing could scale up within two to three years. Meanwhile, 166 companies across the EU already work in the solar energy chain, with Germany hosting the majority.

The Netherlands leads per capita solar production, generating about 1,044 watts yearly per person. That efficiency shows how even smaller, densely populated countries can harness solar power effectively.

Wind energy currently provides the largest share of renewable electricity at 38%, with hydroelectric power at 26% and solar at 23%. But solar's trajectory suggests the rankings will soon shift.

The transformation proves that ambitious climate goals aren't just achievable but they're happening faster than experts predicted, lighting a path toward energy independence and a cleaner future.