Renewable energy sources accounted for 42.5% of the European Union’s net electricity generation in the first quarter of 2025, marking a decline of 4.3 percentage points compared to the same period in 2024, according to data released by Eurostat, the official statistical office of the EU. This drop reflects a broader shift in the continent’s energy mix, despite notable increases in solar power output. Between January and March 2025, the EU generated 55 terawatt-hours (TWh) from solar sources, up from 40.9 TWh in the corresponding period of 2024.
However, the gains in solar energy were insufficient to offset a sharp reduction in electricity produced from wind and hydro sources. Combined wind and hydro output fell from 260.5 TWh in the first quarter of 2024 to 218.5 TWh in the same quarter of 2025, underlining the impact of less favorable weather conditions on renewable generation. Denmark remained the EU leader in renewable electricity generation, with 88.5% of its net electricity coming from renewable sources. Portugal followed with 86.6%, and Croatia ranked third at 77.3%.
These countries maintained strong performances despite the overall EU-wide decline. In contrast, Czechia, Malta, and Slovakia reported the lowest shares of renewables in their electricity mix, registering 13.4%, 14.4%, and 15.1% respectively. A majority of EU member states experienced a year-on-year decline in their renewable energy shares. Nineteen countries recorded reductions in renewable contributions to net electricity generation. Greece reported the most substantial drop, falling by 12.4 percentage points. Lithuania and Slovakia also saw significant decreases, with reductions of 12.0 and 10.6 percentage points respectively.
These changes were primarily driven by declines in hydro and wind production. Despite the overall decline in renewables’ share, wind power remained the dominant source among renewable technologies, contributing 42.5% of the total renewable electricity in the first quarter of 2025. Hydro power accounted for 29.2%, followed by solar energy at 18.1%. Combustible renewable fuels such as biomass represented 9.8%, while geothermal energy made up just 0.5% of the renewable mix. The data points to the volatility of certain renewable sources, particularly hydro and wind, which are heavily dependent on climatic conditions. While solar energy continued to expand, its growth rate was not yet sufficient to buffer against shortfalls in other key sources.
The figures also reflect changing national performances, as countries adapt their energy strategies amid variable renewable outputs. Eurostat’s quarterly update provides a snapshot of the EU’s energy landscape, highlighting both progress and challenges in the bloc’s transition toward cleaner electricity generation. The declining share of renewables in early 2025 underscores the need for more resilient and diversified energy portfolios across member states. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.