Solar energy production is surging in Central Eastern Europe, outpacing growth in wealthier and sunnier regions of the continent. In the first seven months of 2024, solar output in Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Poland jumped by 55% compared to the same period last year, according to data from Ember. This growth rate is double the European average and significantly higher than that of Western, Southern, and Northern Europe.
Poland and Hungary are the main drivers of this expansion, with Poland producing 11.3 terawatt hours (TWh) and Hungary 5.8 TWh of solar electricity, marking increases of 33.3% and 47.7% respectively from the previous year. These figures place them among the fastest-growing solar producers in Europe.
Since 2019, the top solar power producers in Central Eastern Europe have been expanding their capacity faster than other regions, highlighting the affordability of solar installations and strong political support for clean energy. Both Poland and Hungary have set ambitious goals for achieving zero net carbon emissions in electricity production by mid-century, with plans for further expansion.
Despite the impressive growth, the five largest producers in Central Eastern Europe still rank third in solar energy output compared to Western and Southern Europe. However, if current trends continue, they are on track to surpass these regions by the end of the decade.
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