In the unlikeliest of places, a solar revolution is taking root. Central and Eastern Europe, a region better known for its coal mines than its sunshine, is rapidly transforming into Europe’s unexpected leader in solar energy growth. While the sun-drenched shores of Southern Europe might seem like the natural home for solar farms, it’s actually countries like Poland and Hungary that are driving an astonishing 55% increase in solar power output through the first seven months of 2024. That’s more than double the growth rate of the rest of Europe, including the wealthier and seemingly more solar-friendly regions in the West.
What’s behind this surprising surge? Part of it is the sheer affordability of solar installations. As costs continue to plummet, solar panels are becoming a no-brainer investment, even in places where coal once reigned supreme. But there’s more to the story. Supportive government policies across Central and Eastern Europe are providing a powerful tailwind, propelling the region’s solar capacity to new heights. In Poland alone, solar-powered electricity generation skyrocketed by 33.3%, while Hungary saw an even steeper climb of 47.7% compared to last year.
But it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about the ambition. Poland and Hungary, the region’s solar heavyweights, have set their sights on net-zero carbon emissions in power generation by mid-century. And they’re not just talking the talk. New projects are springing up almost monthly, with the Tapolca solar farm in Hungary and Lightsource BP’s new 40 MW project in Poland leading the charge. And then there’s Bulgaria’s Apriltsi project, a solar giant with 800,000 photovoltaic panels that doesn’t just generate power—it does so while leaving room for agriculture underneath. This blend of innovation and expansion is setting the stage for even more rapid growth in the years to come.
As the sun continues to rise on Central and Eastern Europe’s solar ambitions, the rest of the continent would do well to take note. What was once Europe’s coal-burning heartland is now lighting the way to a cleaner, greener future. If the current growth rates hold, by the end of the decade, these once-overlooked nations could be leading Europe’s charge into a new era of renewable energy, outpacing even their wealthier Western neighbors. The message is clear: in the race for solar supremacy, don’t count Central and Eastern Europe out.
(Source: Energy Global | Reuters)
