Record Solar Power Reduces Fossil Fuel Use in Europe

In 2025, record solar power cut fossil fuel use and emissions, and the influence of gas fell. Weak demand and price volatility highlight the need for electrification and flexibility.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ – Eurelectric data shows that 2025 was a turning point for Europe’s power sector – a year of contrasts and complexity. Record solar growth reduced reliance on fossil fuels and helped keep emissions in check, but ongoing price volatility and weak electricity demand show we urgently need to speed up electrification and increase system flexibility to protect Europe’s competitiveness.

the EU is leaving behind a year with new decarbonisation milestones. Eurelectric estimates that in 2025, power sector emissions were around 45% of 1990 levels, reflecting three decades of steady progress. Though, progress toward the EU’s 50% renewables target slowed – demonstrating that balancing rapid green growth with market stability and demand recovery is a real challenge.

Solar power really stood out.With a total generation of more than 340 TWh, solar reached 12.5% of the EU generation mix, the highest share ever recorded. Solar output increased by 60 TWh year on year – that’s equal to Portugal’s entire annual electricity demand.this increase helped offset declines in hydro (-13%) and wind (-4%).