Over 50% of Germany's electricity consumption provided by renewables

Germany's renewable energy sector continues to expand, with electricity generated by wind, solar biomass, biomass and hydroelectric power accounting for 56% of total electricity consumption in the first nine months of this year, according to preliminary calculations by industry group BDEW and the Center for research in the field of solar energy and hydrogen (ZSW), reports DPA, according to Agerpres.

The data represent an increase compared to the level of 52% recorded in the period January-September 2023.

The expansion of renewable energies has a central role in the German Government's efforts to meet its climate goals and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

According to calculations, renewable energy sources covered more than half of the country's electricity consumption every month from 2024, with percentages varying between 53% and 59%.

A significant increase was registered in the field of solar energy, with approximately 65 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) being generated, a 15% advance compared to the first nine months of 2023.

Between January and September 2024, electricity production from fossil fuels (coal and natural gas) decreased by 10.5%, to 149 billion kWh.

Overall, gross electricity generation from renewable energy sources rose by 8.3%, reaching 217 billion kilowatt-hours.

"The fact that more than half of the kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed in Germany now comes from renewable energy sources shows that we are on the right track," said Kerstin Andreae, president of the BDEW Board.

The official highlighted the importance of developing storage facilities and expanding the network for the full use of green electricity. "The generation of electricity with the help of the wind and the sun is not constant. We need to ensure energy for the periods when the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow", said the quoted source.

Germany's objective is for energy production from renewable sources to reach 80% of total electricity production by 2030.