Wind energy also made strides, generating 17% of the EU's electricity and surpassing gas, which accounted for 16%, for the second consecutive year.

The European Green Deal, introduced in 2019, aims for a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050, driving the EU's transition to renewable energy.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has accelerated this shift, as soaring gas prices have compelled EU nations to seek cheaper and cleaner energy alternatives.

The abundance of solar energy in 2024 resulted in lower midday prices and instances of 'negative pricing,' where electricity was sold below zero due to excess supply.

This surplus presents opportunities for consumers to adjust their energy usage during peak solar production, potentially lowering their electricity bills.

In 2024, solar energy accounted for 11% of the EU's electricity generation, while coal fell below 10% for the first time, marking a significant shift in the energy landscape.

Battery development has also advanced significantly, with installed capacity doubling to 16 GW in 2023, although 70% of this capacity is concentrated in Germany and Italy.

Experts emphasize the need for increased flexibility in the European electricity system to manage the intermittency of renewable energy sources.

EU leaders, including chief Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirmed their commitment to climate leadership and international cooperation to combat climate change.

Despite these advancements, fossil fuels still accounted for 27% of the EU's electricity in 2024, highlighting the need for continued political action to sustain growth in renewables.

The EU has successfully reduced its emissions by 7.5% from 2022 to 2023, maintaining a leading role in climate action compared to other wealthy nations.

Electricity sector emissions have now halved compared to their peak in 2007, reflecting the broader trends towards sustainability across Europe.