EU Renewables Hit 47.5% of Electricity in 2024

Europe just crossed a milestone that seemed impossible two decades ago: renewable energy now powers nearly half of the continent's electricity.

The European Union hit 47.5% renewable electricity in 2024, up from 45.4% the previous year. That's almost triple the 15.9% share recorded when tracking began in 2004, according to Eurostat data released this week.

Wind and hydropower remain the workhorses of Europe's clean energy revolution, together supplying almost two-thirds of all renewable electricity. Wind alone accounts for 38% of renewable generation, while hydropower contributes 26.4%.

But solar power tells the most dramatic story. In 2008, solar supplied just 1% of Europe's renewable electricity. By 2024, that share jumped to 23.4%, representing a staggering leap from 7.4 terawatt hours to 304 terawatt hours of clean electricity.

Austria leads the renewable revolution with 90.1% of its electricity coming from clean sources. Sweden follows closely at 88.1%, with Denmark rounding out the top three at 79.7%.

Ten other EU nations now source more than half their electricity from renewables, including Germany at 54.1% and the Netherlands at 50.5%. Even countries starting from lower baselines are making steady progress toward cleaner grids.

The Ripple Effect

This shift represents more than impressive statistics. It demonstrates that large-scale energy transformation is actually achievable, not just aspirational.

Every percentage point increase in renewable electricity means fewer fossil fuels burned, cleaner air to breathe, and more momentum toward climate goals. The near-tripling of renewable share in two decades shows the compounding effect of sustained investment and policy commitment.

The solar boom particularly matters for everyday people. Rooftop panels and community solar projects give households and businesses direct participation in the energy transition, creating thousands of jobs while driving down electricity costs.

Countries that once relied heavily on imported fossil fuels are building energy independence through wind farms and solar installations. That means more stable prices and greater security during global disruptions.

The data also reveals how quickly change can happen when technology improves and political will aligns. Solar's explosive growth from 1% to 23.4% of renewable electricity in 16 years would have seemed wildly optimistic in 2008.

Europe's progress offers a roadmap for other regions working toward clean energy goals. The challenges of intermittency, grid integration, and storage are being solved in real time, creating knowledge that benefits the entire world.

The momentum continues building as wind turbines grow more efficient, solar panels become cheaper, and battery storage improves, making renewable energy increasingly practical and affordable for everyone.