Generating electricity from sustainable power sources
Despite ongoing criticism, renewable energy in Germany is making substantial progress. Even though the year isn't concluded yet, the Federal Environment Agency estimates a fresh record in electricity production. Wind energy is leading this charge, but another energy source is also on the rise.
As per the Renewable Energy Statistics Working Group at the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), the share of renewable energy in total electricity consumption is projected to hit a new high of 54% this year, a 1.5% increase from the previous year. In 2023, a record value of 52.5% was achieved, marking the first time over half of Germany's electricity consumption was covered by renewable energy sources. In 2022, this share was 46.3%.
Electricity production from renewable sources, specifically wind and solar energy, is projected to rise by 4% to around 285 terawatt hours this year. This implies that wind energy and solar power account for over three-quarters of Germany's renewable electricity. The UBA mentions that these are preliminary figures, and the final numbers for 2024 will be disclosed in March.
Wind energy is the primary electricity producer
Despite these advancements, UBA President Dirk Messner advocated for a faster expansion of renewable energy. "Despite improvements in electricity production, we still have a long way to go," Messner stated, referring to the aim of providing 80% of electricity demand from renewable sources by the end of the decade. As the heating and transportation sectors grow more electrified, electricity demand will continue to escalate.
As per the data, electricity production from photovoltaic systems rose significantly: by 16% to an anticipated 74 terawatt hours. In contrast, electricity production from wind power remained roughly the same as the previous year, at around 141 terawatt hours.
Besides solar and wind power, biomass, hydropower, and geothermal energy also contributed to renewable electricity. The electricity production of these plants increased by approximately 2% compared to the previous year. Together, these energy sources accounted for about a quarter of Germany's renewable electricity.
The Federal Environment Agency anticipates a record-breaking 54% share of renewable energy in Germany's total electricity consumption for 2023, highlights the growing reliance on energy from renewable sources. Furthermore, electricity production from renewable sources, primarily wind and solar energy, is projected to reach 285 terawatt hours this year, indicating a significant shift towards sustainable energy sources.
