Sweden Leads EU Solar Power Production as Renewable Energy Milestone is Reached
Sweden becomes the EU's top solar power producer as solar energy overtakes coal, while advancing plans for new nuclear reactors to support the renewable transition.
- • Solar power became the largest electricity source in the EU in June 2023, generating 22.1% of all electricity.
- • Coal's share of EU electricity dropped to a historic low of 6.1%.
- • Sweden is prioritized for deployment of up to five BWRX-300 small modular nuclear reactors.
- • The BWRX-300 SMR is a 300 MW modular reactor designed to reduce construction time and costs.
- • Global renewable energy production is projected to more than double by 2030, led by solar power.
Key details
For the first time, solar power has become the largest source of electricity in the European Union, surpassing coal, marking a major milestone in the region's energy transition. According to a report by the Ember group, in June 2023, solar panels generated 22.1% of the EU's electricity, edging ahead of nuclear power at 21.8% and wind power at 15.8%. Coal's share dropped to a historic low of 6.1%, signaling a significant decline for fossil fuels in the EU energy mix (91578).
Sweden's leading role in this renewable energy shift underscores its commitment to sustainable power production. While solar power dominates, Sweden is also advancing its nuclear energy capabilities through strategic moves that complement its green energy goals. The American-Japanese company GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and South Korea's Samsung C&T have forged a partnership to accelerate deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs), specifically the BWRX-300 model. Sweden is prioritized as a key market, with plans for up to five new SMRs to enhance its nuclear capacity alongside solar power growth. This includes assessing potential projects at Vattenfall's Ringhals facility, with operational ambitions aligning with EU climate objectives (91720).
The BWRX-300 reactor, which is water-cooled and designed for modular construction to reduce build times and costs, is currently under construction in Canada and aims to be operational by the decade's end. This development represents a blend of renewable power expansion and innovative nuclear technology deployment in Sweden's energy landscape.
Globally, fossil fuel electricity production is declining in major economies like China and India, while renewable energy production is expected to more than double by the end of the decade, with solar power estimated to comprise 80% of clean energy, according to the International Energy Agency. This broader context highlights Sweden's position at the forefront of Europe's renewable energy transformation and nuclear innovation.
Sweden's dual approach of advancing solar power and embracing next-generation nuclear reactors illustrates a comprehensive strategy to reduce emissions and secure energy supply. With solar power now the EU's top electricity source and nuclear innovation underway, Sweden is poised to remain a leading example in the continent's clean energy future.