During the first quarter of 2026, the European Union generated 45.5% of its electricity from renewable sources, the highest level recorded in its history.
The data, released by Eurostat, exceeds by more than two percentage points the record of the same period of the previous year and reflects the impact of energy policies aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels in an international context marked by geopolitical tensions.
Leading and lagging countries
- Denmark: 90% renewable electricity, with wind power as the main driver.
- Portugal: 82.9%, thanks to its hydroelectric capacity.
- Lithuania: 75.7%, consolidated by its commitment to wind energy.
In contrast, some countries are progressing at a slower pace:
- Czech Republic: 12.7%.
- Malta: 13%.
- Slovakia: 17.2%.
This disparity highlights the challenges of synchronizing the energy transition in a heterogeneous bloc, where the availability of natural resources and national policies influence the results.
Composition of the renewable sources matrix
Green generation in the EU is distributed as follows:
- Wind: 44.9%.
- Hydroelectric: 28%.
- Solar: 17.3%.
- Renewable fuels: 9.4%.
- Geothermal and other sources: 0.4%.
Economic and social benefits
The advancement of renewables provided relief for European consumers:
- The IEA estimated that the EU saved 51.4 billion euros in 2025 by reducing gas and oil imports.
- A report by the CREA concluded that households in Denmark, Finland, France, Sweden, and Slovakia will save 8.5 billion euros in 2026 thanks to the high participation of clean energies.
These benefits occur in a context of historically high gas prices, exacerbated by the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.
Persistent challenges
Despite the progress, the residual dependence on gas continues to influence electricity prices due to the merit order system, which sets the cost of the entire network according to the most expensive source needed to meet demand.
Recent example: in June, a heatwave in France and Germany spiked cooling demand, forcing reliance on gas plants and generating an increase of 700 million euros in one week.
Keys to the future
Experts point out that the consolidation of a fully renewable matrix will depend on:
- Greater energy storage capacity.
- Expansion of renewable infrastructures.
- Progressive reduction of gas influence in price formation.
The commitment to energy self-sufficiency and emission reduction remains a pillar of community policy, seeking greater security and autonomy in the face of international fluctuations.
The record achieved by the European Union in renewable generation marks a milestone in the global energy transition. While the economic and environmental benefits are evident, the challenge lies in ensuring price stability and equity among countries with different capabilities.
The European experience demonstrates that the transition to clean energies is possible, but it requires coordination, investment in storage, and policies that ensure that progress reaches the entire population.
