Wind and Solar Surpass Fossil Fuels in EU Electricity Generation for the First Time
Wind and solar produced 30% of EU electricity in 2025, overtaking coal, oil, and gas at 29%, while Norway achieved 97% electric vehicle sales in a landmark year for clean energy.
EnvironmentGNGV Editorial Team4 min read
In a historic milestone for the clean energy transition, wind and photovoltaic solar panels generated more electricity than fossil fuels in the European Union for the first time in 2025. Wind and solar produced 30 percent of the EU's electricity, overtaking coal, oil, and gas combined at 29 percent.
The tipping point marks a fundamental shift in Europe's energy landscape. Just a decade ago, fossil fuels dominated EU electricity generation. The rapid expansion of renewable capacity, driven by falling costs and supportive policies, has accelerated the transition faster than most analysts predicted.
The progress extends beyond electricity generation to transportation. Norway achieved a remarkable 97 percent electric vehicle sales rate, with EVs now outnumbering diesel vehicles on the country's roads. While Norway has been a global leader in EV adoption, the scale of its achievement demonstrates that near-complete electrification of personal transport is technically and economically feasible.
Renewable energy accounted for nearly half of global power capacity by the end of 2025, according to recent data, indicating that the clean energy transition is gaining momentum worldwide, not just in Europe. Developing nations are also expanding solar and wind capacity as costs continue to fall.
Portugal provided another standout example, generating 80.7 percent of its electricity from renewable energy in January 2026 — the best record in nine months and the second-highest rate in Europe. The Iberian nation demonstrates that even mid-sized economies can achieve very high renewable penetration.
Energy analysts note that as renewable capacity continues to grow and battery storage technology improves, the share of clean electricity will likely continue increasing rapidly. The EU has set a target of 42.5 percent renewable energy by 2030, a goal that now appears increasingly achievable given current growth rates.
Why it matters
In 2025, wind and solar produced 30% of EU electricity, ahead of coal, oil and gas combined at 29%, for the first time. Alongside Norway’s 97% electric vehicle sales, it shows the transition advancing in both power and transport.
