Though data for December is still pending, wind and solar output for January through November put the country's renewable output above coal for the entire year.

The European Union's solar power generation has surpassed coal for the first time, driven by the Russian energy crisis and a push for renewable energy sources, but challenges remain in phasing out fossil fuels entirely.

The surge in solar, now the European Union's fastest growing energy source, came as capacity additions hit a record high last year.

By Newsbase Build-out of solar and wind power has accelerated Europe’s energy transition WHAT: The EU saw solar power surpass coal as a source of power for the first time in 2024. WHY: Falling costs of solar panels helped the EU install a record amount,