Germany has achieved a new record high, raising its renewable energy share to 58 percent of its electricity consumption in the first half of 2024 with wind, solar, biomass and hydropower.
According to the latest projections by the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research in the south-western state of Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) and the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), 24 percent of the 58 percent came from onshore wind generation. In addition, 4 percent came from photovoltaics, 9 percent from biomass, 5 percent from hydropower, 5 percent from offshore wind power, and 1 percent from electricity generation from municipal waste.
Photovoltaic systems lead growth
Germany’s share of renewable energy has increased by 6 percentage points annually from 52 percent in H1 of 2023. The BDEW emphasized that renewable energies have made up more than 50 percent of electricity consumption every month until June. Since April, their monthly share has been 59 percent.
“In particular, photovoltaic systems produced a total of 37 billion kilowatt hours, significantly more electricity than in the previous year – also thanks to the record expansion in 2023,” the report added.
In June, photovoltaic systems in Germany generated more than 10 billion kilowatt hours of electricity in one month for the very first time. Moreover, hydroelectric power contributed above-average electricity generation levels with 12 billion kilowatt hours.
Kerstin Andreae, chairperson of BDEW’s chief executive board, described the figures as “a reward for the persistent expansion of wind energy and photovoltaic systems in recent years. It was crucial to build hydrogen-capable gas power plants”.
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Germany leads renewable energy growth
Germany has emerged as the country with the 3rd highest installed solar energy capacity per capita in 2023, according to the latest report from Solar Power Europe. With a cumulative capacity of 996 watt/capita, Germany topped the list, which included Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Japan and Austria.
“Despite the encouraging figures, electricity generation from wind and sun is not constant. We need secure power for system services and times when the sun is not shining, and the wind isn’t blowing,” she added.
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