Wind power and photovoltaic drive Germany’s renewable energy surge

Germany made a notable shift toward renewable energy sources last year, according to a report from the Federal Network Agency

Renewable energy accounted for 59% of the country’s total electricity generation, up from 56% in 2023.

Wind energy was the leading source, contributing 31.9% to the nation’s energy mix, while photovoltaic solar energy contributed 14.7%.

Despite a 0.9% increase in electricity consumption, overall power generation fell by 4.2% to 431.7 TWh. This decline was largely attributed to a decrease in conventional energy sources.

Among the fossil fuels, lignite, or brown coal, accounted for 16.4%, with natural gas at 13.2% and hard coal at 6.3%.

Last year also marked Germany’s first full year without nuclear power, following the final shutdown of its nuclear plants in April 2023.

The country aims to be climate-neutral by 2045.

dw.com