In a First, Solar Was Europe's Biggest Source of Power Last Month
10 months ago
- #climate change
- #EU energy
- #solar power
- Solar power was the largest source of electricity in the EU in June, supplying 22% of the bloc's power.
- 13 countries set new monthly highs for solar output, with the Netherlands and Greece leading at over 40% and 35% respectively.
- Nuclear was the second-largest electricity source, followed by wind, natural gas, and hydropower; coal hit a record low of 6%.
- 15 EU countries are now coal-free, including Austria, Belgium, and Ireland, which closed its last coal plant.
- Solar power helped Europe manage a brutal heat wave by meeting peak midday demand for air conditioning, preventing blackouts.
- June was the warmest on record in Europe, with climate change tripling heat-related deaths due to fossil fuel emissions.