Winter is coming, and people in Europe are increasingly feeling the effects of the gas crisis in the form of rising electricity and gas prices.

At the same time, the generation of electricity from renewable energies is gaining momentum. In the EU, the amount of solar power generated this summer reached an all-time high.

Between May and August 2022, the amount of solar power produced was 99.4 terawatt-hours (TWh), an increase of 28 percent compared to the previous year, equivalent to 22 TWh.

Due to the increased generation of this amount of energy, gas purchases amounting to around 29 billion euros (at current prices) could be saved.

Overall, the share of solar energy in the EU accounts for 12 percent of the total energy generated, up from 9 percent in the previous year.

Netherlands leads in solar power

The Netherlands is the leader in solar power with a solar power share of 23 percent, followed by Germany with 19 percent and Spain with 17 percent. Poland has made the most progress in solar energy, with solar capacities in the country expanding 26-fold since 2018. As of the current year, solar energy accounted for 8 percent of electricity generation in Poland.

Overall, the expansion of solar capacities in Europe is accelerating rapidly. Average growth rates of 15 percent have been observed in recent years, but this year the growth rate is 28 percent, an increase of almost 50 percent compared to previous years.

If you are interested in renewable energy, read more here.