As wind and solar surpass fossil fuels across the EU, Denmark tops the list and sets a clear course away from North Sea oil.
In 2025, the EU reached a historic milestone as its member states collectively produced more electricity from wind and solar power than from fossil energy. According to a new report from the British think tank Ember, this marks the first time renewable sources have overtaken fossil fuels in the EU’s electricity mix.
Denmark stands out as the clear leader in this transition. With wind and solar accounting for 71 percent of its electricity production, Denmark has the highest share of renewable electricity in the entire European Union. The country is widely regarded as one of the world’s frontrunners in renewable energy, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve a very high share of clean energy without relying on fossil fuels.
At the same time, Denmark remains one of the largest oil producers in the EU, primarily through extraction in the North Sea—an industry that has long played an important role in the Danish economy. However, a political agreement reached in the Danish Parliament has set a new green direction for the future of the North Sea.
In line with the goals of Denmark’s Climate Act, the agreement establishes Denmark’s ambition to remain a green frontrunner. From 2050 onwards, oil and gas will no longer be extracted in the Danish part of the North Sea. Instead, the focus will shift fully towards green, renewable energy, underlining Denmark’s long-term commitment to a sustainable energy system.
