Solar power just became the largest source of electricity generation in the EU for the first time ever

Solar power just became the largest source of electricity generation in the EU for the first time ever.

This was especially useful because heatwaves across the continent caused a surge in electricity demand as the use of air conditioning soared.

On top of that, thermal generators struggled with temperatures hitting 40°C or more. In particular, France's nuclear fleet was impacted the most, with all but one of the 18 facilities experiencing some kind of capacity reduction and one facility having to be shut down entirely.

The high renewable generation also helped push coal generation to its lowest share ever.

Solar is experiencing phenomenal growth around the world. While we often hear that it is insignificant and too small to make a difference, it is now becoming impossible to ignore due to the rapid and consistent growth.

And the cost of solar keeps falling, which drives increased adoption, which then drives further cost reductions.

And this progress looks set to continue, especially as cheaper and cheaper batteries means we are increasingly seeing solar paired with battery storage. In places such as California and Texas this means solar generation is able to supply more and more of evening peak demand.

Onwards and upwards!

Link to Ember report: https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/solar-is-eus-biggest-power-source-for-the-first-time-ever/