Clean energy saved EU €51 billion in 2025 by cutting fossil fuel imports - as solar leads the way

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The European Union saved approximately €51 billion in 2025 by cutting fossil fuel imports, driven by record investments in renewable energy
• Solar and wind generation offset reliance on oil and gas, while Europe braces for energy price shocks from the ongoing US-Israel and Iran conflict

🔭 The context: The EU invested €90 billion in renewables in 2025, with solar power generating over 340 TWh, accounting for 12.5% of the electricity mix, an increase of more than 60 TWh compared with the previous year
• Imports of fossil energy dropped 11% in value and 0.6% in net mass, totaling €336.7 billion

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Scaling renewables reduces greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuels in power generation, helping Europe cut carbon footprints and build resilience against geopolitical instability in fossil energy markets
• Increased electrification also supports the transition toward low-carbon transport and industrial heating

⏭️ What’s next: 2026 continues to see strong renewable output, with wind and solar surpassing gas globally for electricity generation in April
• Europe is likely to further expand solar and wind capacity to strengthen energy security, decarbonize high-emission sectors, and stabilize electricity costs amid global supply disruptions

💬 One quote: “Clean energy is no longer just about climate, it is also an economic and geopolitical strategy. The faster Europe moves away from fossil fuels, the less exposed European citizens and businesses will be to price shocks and geopolitical instability.” – Marin Gillot, Energy Analyst, Strategic Perspectives

📈 One stat: Solar generation in the EU rose by more than 60 TWh year-on-year, equivalent to Portugal’s entire annual electricity demand

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