A report released on Thursday highlighted that a record 47% of the European Union’s electricity now comes from solar and other renewable energy sources, underscoring the growing disparity between the EU’s commitment to clean energy and the U.S. administration’s renewed emphasis on fossil fuels.
The report, published by the climate energy think tank Ember, revealed that nearly three-quarters of the EU’s electricity generation is free of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions.
Notably, 24% of the bloc’s electricity comes from nuclear power, which, like renewables, does not produce greenhouse gases. This figure significantly surpasses that of the United States and China, where close to two-thirds of electricity still relies on carbon-intensive fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas.
Experts remain optimistic about Europe’s steady reduction in fossil fuel dependence, particularly as the U.S. appears poised to increase emissions under policies aimed at lowering gas prices, halting wind project leases, and rolling back electric vehicle incentives.
“Fossil fuels are losing their grip on EU energy,” said Chris Rosslowe, an energy expert at Ember. In 2024, solar energy accounted for 11% of the EU’s electricity generation, surpassing coal, which dropped below 10% for the first time. For the second consecutive year, wind power produced more electricity than natural gas.
Global Comparisons in Renewable Energy
While 2024 data for all countries is not yet available, Ember’s analysis of 2023 figures showed that Brazil leads the world in renewable electricity generation, with almost 89% of its power derived from renewables, primarily hydroelectric.
Other countries’ shares include Canada at 66.5%, China at 30.6%, France at 26.5%, the U.S. at 22.7%, and India at 19.5%.
Policies and Conflict Driving Clean Energy Growth
The EU’s swift clean energy transition has been bolstered by the European Green Deal, an ambitious policy framework introduced in 2019.
This initiative set the stage for stricter climate laws, including a target to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Hundreds of regulations and directives have been enacted or are in progress to encourage investment in renewable energy and curb carbon emissions.
“At the start of the Green Deal, renewables contributed to a third of the EU’s electricity, while fossil fuels made up 39%,” Rosslowe noted. “Today, fossil fuels generate just 29%, with wind and solar leading the clean energy transition.” The share of electricity generated by nuclear power has remained relatively constant.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has further accelerated Europe’s move toward renewable energy. Skyrocketing gas prices, coupled with Europe’s heavy reliance on Russian gas, prompted countries to adopt cleaner and more cost-effective energy sources.
Over the past five years, nations such as Portugal, the Netherlands, and Estonia have seen the most significant increases in clean energy use.
Economic and Strategic Impacts of the Transition
Europe’s clean energy shift has allowed the bloc to avoid more than $61 billion in fossil fuel imports for electricity generation since 2019.
“This sends a clear message that Europe’s energy demands will increasingly be met through renewable power rather than gas imports,” said Pieter de Pous, an energy analyst with the European think tank E3G. He noted the EU’s evolution from a “community of coal and steel” to a leader in solar, wind, battery technologies, and smart energy systems.
However, nuclear energy development has slowed within the EU. According to Global Energy Monitor, the bloc has seen more nuclear plant retirements than new construction since the mid-2000s.
Contrasting Approaches to Climate Leadership
As President Trump has withdrawn the United States from the Paris Agreement and embraced a “drill, baby, drill” energy strategy, the EU’s leadership in clean energy becomes increasingly significant.
“It’s about increasing European energy independence while demonstrating climate leadership,” Rosslowe emphasized.
On Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment, stating: “Europe will stay the course and continue working with nations dedicated to protecting nature and combating global warming.”