When Wind And Solar Truly Become The Backbone Of The Power System

In 2025, Europe reached a major milestone in its energy transition: wind and solar power generated more electricity than all fossil fuels combined for the first time. Together, wind and solar accounted for around 30% of total EU electricity generation, while coal, gas, and oil fell to roughly 29%.
This shift did not happen overnight. It is the result of years of sustained investment, technology improvement, and consistent policy direction. Solar power alone grew by nearly 20% year-on-year, becoming the largest contributor to renewable growth. In countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, and Hungary, solar already supplies more than 20% of national electricity demand. At the same time, coal-fired generation dropped to a record low, around 9% of total EU power output.
If renewables and nuclear are combined, low-carbon sources now provide approximately 70–71% of Europe’s electricity. Fossil fuels are no longer the core of the system.
However, as wind and solar scale up, new system constraints are becoming increasingly visible. Grid congestion, renewable curtailment, and price volatility are growing challenges. Europe’s experience shows that the energy transition is no longer just about adding capacity — it is increasingly about grid infrastructure, energy storage, and system operation.