A Solar Surge Is Taking Over This Area

Solar power is growing faster in Central Europe than in the rest of the European Union — a significant shift that demonstrates even countries with moderate resources can lead the clean energy transition.

“Central Europe demonstrates that coal-dependent nations can change course and achieve notable renewable gains. With the right policies, the region could turn this momentum into a competitive edge,” said Ember policy advisor Tatiana Mindeková.

Since 2019, cumulative solar generation across Central Europe (Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia) jumped from 5 TWh to 29 TWh — a nearly sixfold increase. In contrast, the EU overall climbed from 125 TWh to 308 TWh in the same period (a 2.5× rise). Hungary, for example, raised solar’s share of its electricity mix from 4% in 2019 to nearly 25% in 2024, with peaks exceeding 40% in summer 2025. Poland’s solar output soared from 0.7 TWh to 15 TWh, and Slovakia launched a significant acceleration after years of grid constraints. As coal plants shut down and policies support renewables, this region is carving a blueprint many coal-reliant nations will watch closely.