Solar Power Breaks Records Across Europe

Today’s ESG Updates

• Solar Tops Fossil Fuels in EU Power Mix: Solar reached 22.1% of EU electricity in June, outpacing fossil fuels as 13 member states hit record highs.
• India Hits Clean Energy Goal Early: India reached 50% renewable capacity five years ahead of its 2030 target.
• Australia Pushes Green Steel in China Talks: PM Albanese promotes low-emission steel, seeking ESG-aligned growth with China.
• Amazonian Leaders Speak Out: Indigenous groups demand to be part of the conversation, blaming capitalism for rainforest destruction.

Solar surpasses fossil fuels as primary European Union power source

In June 2025, solar made up about 22.1% of the European Union’s electricity mix. Greece broke records, with solar accounting for 35.1% of its power, and the Netherlands further surpassed that at 40.5%. Chris Rosslowe, an energy analyst at energy think tank Ember, said, “Europe is becoming a solar powerhouse,” as 13 member states saw an all-time high in solar power. While solar has increased, fossil fuel usage has decreased, shifting from 8.8 to 6.1% in the past year. Experts say that this record-breaking month is only a glimpse of what is possible in the future. This increase in solar proves the EU’s commitment to ESG solutions, switching out fossil fuels for renewable energy sources. 

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Further reading: ‘Europe is becoming a solar powerhouse’: Solar tops EU electricity as coal sinks to new low

India ahead of 2030 target with increased renewable energy capacity

India is 5 years ahead of their 2030 climate goal, having increased renewable energy capacity by 50%. Having missed its 2022 renewable energy target of 175 gigawatts (GW), the government is pursuing an ambitious goal of 500 GW by 2050. These energy plans include nuclear power plants and hydrogen. At the end of June, renewable energy capacity was at 184.6 GW. The use of coal as an energy source decreased by 3%, although fossil fuels still comprise two-thirds of increased power generation. Nevertheless, the country is ready to prove its commitment to ESG goals, increasing green hydrogen, battery storage, and circularity in solar and wind energy. 

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Further reading: India hits 50% non-fossil power milestone ahead of 2030 clean energy target

Australia looks to green steel to grow trade agreements with China

During a six-day trip to China, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hopes to strengthen trade ties in the steel production sector. Australia fulfills around two-thirds of China’s iron ore needs. This is a billion-dollar trade industry, earning the capital city, Canberra, approximately A$105 billion (roughly 68.90 billion USD) this year. Albanese aims to strengthen trade relations and increase decarbonization by focusing on the production of green steel. Green steel lowers carbon emissions by relying on renewable energy in the production process. Unlike high-quality iron ore found in Brazil or Guinea, Australia’s low-grade iron ore requires further processing. Australia must focus on production capabilities to succeed in the green steel sector, and the country hopes that a strengthened relationship with China will aid in this shift. 

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Further reading: Australia PM touts green steel as iron ore miners meet Chinese steelmakers

Indigenous groups blame capitalism for the destruction of the planet

Amazonian Indigenous groups have made the trip to London ahead of COP30 in Brazil. Members of the Krenak, Kambeba, and Yanomami peoples met with leaders in finance and academia to discuss the devastation capitalism had brought to the rainforest. Dario Yanomami, vice-president of the Hutukara Yanomami Association, an association that represents the Brazilian Yanomami communities, said, “ The earth is ill,” citing that Indigenous people have been protecting the land while the capitalist system destroys it. While Brazil has created a $125 billion forest fund, the Yanomami people have not been consulted. They wish to participate actively in COP30, making their voices heard and not simply sitting on the sidelines. Logging, mining, and agribusiness in Brazil have negatively affected rainforests and Indigenous groups. Businesses in Brazil must commit firmly to ESG goals to prevent further devastation in the region. 

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Further reading:  Amazonian Leaders Bring a Dark Message on Gold Trading to London

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Dad Hotel