EU solar generation hits new summer peaks

Solar sector provides 10pc of EU27’s power for first time during June-July peak period, Ember analysis shows

Solar power generation in the EU hit record levels during the peak months of June and July, providing a tenth of the bloc’s electricity for the first time, according to analysis by thinktank Ember. The EU saw solar generation hit 39TWh, up by 5.1TWh from the same period last year. Solar output in June-July 2020 was up 3.1TWh on the previous year, while June-July 2019 output increased by 2.6TWh from the year before. Despite recent gains, solar’s share of EU power generation remains lower than coal’s, which accounted for 14pc (58 TWh) of EU electricity generation over June-July 2021. However, solar is poised for rapid growth as its costs fall sharply, according to Ember and other analysts. The