Solar energy becomes EU's largest electricity source in June
According to 'Ember' report, solar power generated 22% of EU electricity in June, surpassing nuclear (21%) to become the leading source for the third time on record.
Solar energy became the largest source of electricity in the European Union in June, according to data from the energy think tank "Ember". Solar panels accounted for 22% of total electricity generation, edging out nuclear power which contributed 21%.
This is only the third month in history that solar has reached this position, following June 2025 and May 2026. For comparison, in June 2021 solar made up just 10% of EU electricity.
Germany recorded its highest-ever solar shares, with 33% in May and 36% in June of its national electricity production. "Ember" noted that the rise in solar output coincided with elevated electricity demand, partly driven by an extreme heatwave and increased need for cooling.
The breakdown of other sources in June: natural gas contributed 15%, wind 14%, hydro 12%, and coal 8%. Due to the heat and low wind, many sources operated at their limits, and solar helped ensure supply stability.
