For the first time in the EU, solar supplied more power than coal did last year, a new analysis finds.
Solar accounted for 11 percent of Europe’s power supply last year, more than coal, at 10 percent, according to the analysis from energy think tank Ember. Coal generation continued its long-term decline, as did gas, which fell for the fifth year in a row.
“Fossil fuels are losing their grip on EU energy,” said Chris Rosslowe, lead author of the report. “Wind and solar are pushing coal to the margins and forcing gas into structural decline.” The retreat of fossil fuels is helping curb emissions. Since peaking in 2007, emissions from the European power sector have dropped by more than half.
Despite its recent progress, Europe still lags far behind China in the speed at which it is adding renewable energy. China saw solar capacity grow by a staggering 45 percent last year, according to data from its National Energy Administration. While coal remains the biggest source of power in China, solar capacity is expected to overtake coal by the end of this decade.
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