Solar energy reached a new milestone in the European Union in June 2026, generating 25% of the bloc's electricity, outperforming every other power source.

 

Solar energy reached a new milestone in the European Union in June 2026, generating 25% of the bloc's electricity - the highest monthly share ever recorded. It became the EU's largest source of electricity for the month, outperforming every other power source.

According to energy think tank Ember, this was the first time solar power reached such a high share of electricity generation across the 27 EU member states. The record highlights the rapid expansion of solar installations across Europe in recent years.

Solar power also surpassed nuclear energy, which supplied 21% of the EU's electricity in June. Natural gas ranked third with 15%, followed by wind at 14%, hydropower at 12%, and coal at just 8%.

This marks the third time that solar has been Europe's largest electricity source, following similar milestones in June 2025 and May 2026. June 2026 also set a new all-time record for total solar electricity generation in the EU.

The growth has been remarkable. In 2021, solar provided only about 10% of the EU's electricity, but within five years that share has climbed to 25%, reflecting major investments in renewable energy across the region.

Germany also achieved a new solar record. Solar supplied 36% of the country's electricity in June 2026, up from 33% in May. During recent European heat waves, strong solar generation helped meet increased electricity demand when other power generation systems were under greater strain.

Electrical Technology