Overview

• EU utilities increased gas and coal electricity output by 13% in the first half of 2025, marking the largest January–June increase since 2017.
• Solar energy reached 22.1% of the EU’s electricity mix in June, overtaking nuclear at 21.8% and wind at 15.8% as the bloc’s top power source.
• Wind generation slumped 9% and hydropower output dropped 15% in the first half of 2025 after a cold winter and prolonged dry spell.
• Coal’s share fell to just over 6% in June—the lowest level ever recorded—even as higher fossil fuel output propelled a 9% increase in power sector emissions.
• Electricity demand rose 2.2% in the first half of 2025, amplifying pressure on the grid and reliance on backup capacity.