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Europe energy transition: Solar and wind power reach key milestones
Solar and wind energy have played critical roles in the European energy landscape. In Germany, wind and solar power produced 44 percent of the country’s electricity in 2025, surpassing fossil fuels, which accounted for 43 percent. This milestone reflects a broader European trend where the EU is generating more electricity from clean power than fossil fuels.
During the June and July 2026 heatwaves, solar energy was the only major power source to perform better than usual, accounting for 25 percent of EU electricity in both months. Record solar generation helped stabilize grids as daytime demand rose due to increased air-conditioning use. However, extreme heat also presented challenges, such as reduced hydropower production due to drought and thermal limits on grid equipment like transformers and overhead lines.
Entities
Chris Rosslowe · Ember · Europe · International Energy Agency · Kosovo Agency of Statistics
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Gross production from hydroelectric plants in Kosovo increased by 114.51 percent in June compared to June 2025
- [● 2 SOURCES] In June 2026, electricity consumption in Kosovo reached 369.51 GWh, representing a 21.63 percent increase compared to June 2025
- [○ 1 SOURCE] During a late June heatwave, daily electricity demand rose by up to 28 percent in Italy, 23 percent in Hungary, 14 percent in France, and 13 percent in Spain 24-ore.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Solar energy production in European countries increased by up to 17 percent during summer heatwaves in June and July 24-ore.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Coal production in Kosovo fell by 49.24 percent in June 2026, totaling 210.90 thousand tons