09 February 2026
Wind and solar energy take the lead in driving European electricity generation
BRIEF NEWS
As Europe power transition crosses a historic threshold, MERIDIONAL takes part in driving wind innovation
In 2025, renewable energy sources generated more power than fossil fuels for the first time, marking a decisive step in the EU’s clean energy transition.
According to the European Electricity Review 2026 by EMBER, wind and solar energy together accounted for 30% of EU electricity generation, surpassing fossil fuels at 29%. Overall, renewables provided nearly half of Europe’s power, confirming their central role in the continent’s energy mix.
Among renewables, wind energy stood out as a cornerstone of the system. Supplying around 17% of EU electricity, wind became the second-largest source of power, ahead of gas and coal. Despite variable weather conditions, wind turbines continued to deliver reliable, large-scale clean electricity, helping reduce emissions and strengthen energy security.
The report also highlights that continued policy support and technological innovation are essential to fully unlock the benefits of renewable power, particularly through electrification of transport, heating, and industry.
MERIDIONAL drives innovation in wind turbine design across Europe
As Europe celebrates this clean energy goal, these achievements reflect the European’s long-term commitment to driving the green transition through funding of research such as MERIDIONAL. The EU-funded project is directly contributing to wind energy ambitions by advancing models and tools to optimise the design and performance of wind turbines. MERIDIONAL is developing validated methodologies to support the design and operation of wind power plants, spanning onshore, offshore, and airborne wind energy systems. With a particular focus on the aerodynamic design of kites, the project brings forward key technological advances in airborne wind energy systems. Models and data can be openly accessed in the WindLab Knowledge and Data Hub.
Entering its final year, MERIDIONAL will deliver results supporting stronger, smarter wind energy deployment across Europe. In the months ahead, the project will share key findings that strengthen the role of wind energy in the EU’s decarbonised power system.