Solar and wind energy in the European Union generated more electricity than fossil fuels in the first six months of 2024, prompting analysts to declare “a historic shift” in the region’s energy mix as renewables capacity continues to grow.

“The first half of the year shows fossil generation’s narrowing role in the power sector, and gains for renewables that are beyond temporary variations in conditions,” said Chris Rosslowe, senior data analyst at Ember, a think tank that assessed EU energy developments to measure progress on the clean transition.

Fossil fuels generated 17% less in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Ember writes. Coal fell by a quarter and gas by 14, even as demand rebounded by 0.7% after two years of decline. Meanwhile, “wind and solar overtook EU fossil generation for the first time.” Together, the two renewable sources generated 30% of the EU’s electricity in the first half of 2024, compared to 27% from fossil fuels.