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Solar energy is driving the energy transition

Published in: Solar, Exclusive Articles, Conference Call

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KEY 2026, organised by Italian Exhibition Group, closed on 6th March with results exceeding expectations, spotlighting the expanding role of solar energy. The next edition will take place from 10th to 12th March 2027.

Solar energy continues to strengthen its position as a central pillar of Europe’s energy transition, driven by sustained deployment rates and increasing competitiveness across markets.

In 2025, the European Union installed approximately 65 GW of new solar PV capacity, bringing the total installed capacity to over 330 GW, according to the latest EU Market Outlook for Solar Power published by SolarPower Europe.

This growth confirms solar as the fastest-expanding renewable technology in the region, supported by declining costs, policy support and accelerated permitting frameworks in several Member States.

Solar energy’s contribution to the electricity mix has also reached unprecedented levels. In 2025, solar generation accounted for around 13% of the EU’s total electricity production, contributing, together with wind, to a record share of renewables surpassing fossil fuels for the first time, as highlighted in the European Electricity Review by Ember.

This milestone underscores the structural transformation of Europe’s power system, where solar is increasingly playing a key role thanks to its scalability, short construction times and adaptability across utility-scale and distributed applications.

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