 "Europe has a new ‘rising star’ and it's powered by the sun as earth’s black gold takes a backseat Reuters")
Europe generated more electricity from solar power than coal in 2024, marking a significant step for clean energy, according to a study by climate think tank Ember.
Solar panels produced 11 per cent of the EU’s electricity, meanwhile coal power contributed 10 per cent. Fossil gas use also declined for the fifth consecutive year, making up 16 per cent of the electricity mix.
“This is a milestone. Coal is the oldest way of producing electricity, but also the dirtiest. Solar is the rising star.” said Beatrice Petrovich, co-author of the report.
Solar and Wind energy fullfilled 29 per cent of the EU’s energy needs in 2024. Moreover, hydropower and nuclear energy production recovered from their 2022 declines. These are signs that EU is working for a more collaborative way to harness clean and green energy
Record installation of soral panels
Europe installed a record number of new solar panels in 2024 which increased the production. This achievement occurred despite Europe experiencing less sunshine and a colder year as compared to the previous year.
From coal to clean energy
Europe’s Industrial Revolution was primarily driven by coal, which served as the main energy source for innovations like steam engines. However, burning coal releases more greenhouse gases compared to any other clean energy source. Thus, to fight climate change and stabilise the rising temperature of the Earth, governments are seeking alternatives to reduce carbon emissions.
In the European Union, coal use for electricity peaked in 2007 and has since decreased by half.
Solar energy has grown rapidly worldwide due to better technology and supportive government policies aimed at stabilising the environment and reducing the Earth’s rising temperature.
Europe’s record expansion of Solar energy production
In 2022, solar power generation increased by 270 terawatt-hours (TWh), a 26 per cent jump from the previous year. Solar energy accounted for 4.5 per cent of the total electricity produced around the world.
The growth continued in 2023 as well. Around 447 gigawatts (GW) of new solar capacity were introduced, which is 87 per cent more than in 2022. This accounted for 78 per cent of all new renewable energy that year.
In 2024, solar capacity is expected to grow by another 29 per cent, with 593 GW projected to be installed.
China has played a major role in this progress. Beijing accounted for over 40 per cent of new solar installations in 2022.