Albania leads Europe in renewable energy as UK ends coal power generation

The UK has become the first major economy to stop generating electricity from coal, marking a significant shift in its energy landscape. This month, it will be coal-free for the first time in 142 years, following the closure of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station. Despite this milestone, the UK still relies heavily on natural gas and generated just under half of its electricity from renewables last year. In contrast, over 20 European countries have a higher share of renewable energy, with wind and solar power surpassing fossil fuels in the EU for the first time in early 2024. Albania remains the only European country generating 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily through hydropower. The country is now expanding its energy mix to include wind and solar power.