Renewable energy remained the largest source of electricity generation in the European Union in 2025, according to preliminary data released by Eurostat, highlighting the bloc’s ongoing transition toward cleaner energy.
The data also showed increased natural gas and renewable supply, alongside a continued decline in coal and oil-based energy sources.
Renewables Lead Power Generation
Eurostat reported that renewable energy accounted for 47.2 percent of total electricity production in the EU in 2025.
This compares with:
– 29.6 percent from fossil fuels
– 23.2 percent from nuclear energy
The figures confirm that renewables continue to dominate electricity generation across the bloc.
Changes in Energy Supply
According to the data:
– Natural gas supply increased by 2.3 percent, reaching about 13.1 million terajoules
– Renewable energy supply rose by 1.4 percent to 11.5 million terajoules
However, hydropower output declined, partially offsetting gains in other renewable sources.
Decline in Fossil Fuels
At the same time, fossil fuel supplies continued to decrease:
– Lignite dropped by 7.7 percent
– Hard coal declined by 3.2 percent, reaching its lowest level since 1990
– Oil products fell by 2.8 percent
These trends reflect the EU’s long-term strategy to reduce reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources.
Rare Earth Trade Rebounds
In a separate report, Eurostat said EU trade in rare earth elements rebounded in 2025 after a sharp decline in 2024.
The data showed:
– Imports increased by 17.1 percent to 15,100 tonnes
– Exports rose by 21.1 percent to 6,700 tonnes
In value terms:
– Imports grew by 23.2 percent to €124.9 million
– Exports increased by 29.9 percent to €124.7 million
Strategic Importance of Rare Earth Elements
Rare earth elements, which consist of 17 critical minerals, are essential for high-tech industries, including:
– Smartphones and computers
– Medical technologies
– Advanced manufacturing
Their supply is considered both economically vital and strategically sensitive.
Key Trade Partners
China remained the EU’s largest supplier of rare earth elements in 2025, accounting for 46.8 percent of imports (7,100 tonnes).
Other major suppliers included:
– Russia: 25.9 percent (3,900 tonnes)
– Malaysia: 23.1 percent (3,500 tonnes)
Japan and the United States accounted for smaller shares of 1.6 percent and 0.9 percent, respectively.
Key Points
– Renewables generate 47.2% of EU electricity
– Gas and renewable supply increased in 2025
– Coal and oil continued to decline
– Rare earth imports and exports rebounded
– China remains the main supplier to the EU
Conclusion
The latest data confirms the EU’s continued shift toward renewable energy while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. At the same time, the rebound in rare earth trade underscores the strategic importance of securing critical materials for technological development.
