Highlights
- Under the Solar+ scenario, EU power system operating costs fall by 55 billion, around 50% compared to 2025.
- Accelerated solar and storage deployment enables the EU power system to reach 68% renewable electricity, in line with EU climate and energy targets.
- Higher renewable penetration and flexibility reduce EU day-ahead wholesale electricity prices by 14% on average, with reductions of up to 25% in high-price markets.
SolarPower Europe today (May 5) presents its Solar + report showing that a renewable and storage-based electricity system could halve Europe's power system operating costs by 2030.
Compared to 2025, the new report finds that under the more ambitious Solar+ scenario, electricity system annual operating costs fall by 55 billion ( 49%) by 2030, driven by reduced fossil fuel use and imports. Under a business-as-usual scenario reflecting today's pace of solar deployment, operating costs still decline by 33 billion ( 29%) by 2030.
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe (she/her), said: "An electricity system driven by renewables is fundamentally more cost-effective than relying on the volatile pricing and burning of fossil fuels. Investment in renewables, storage, and non-fossil flexibility pays off for years to come, while fossil fuel investments cost Europe its stability and independence."
