In 2025, Germany's electricity consumption is prominently characterized by a mix of energy sources. Low-carbon energy sources, including wind, solar, hydropower, and biofuels, supply more than half of Germany's electricity, accounting for approximately 56% of the total. Among these, wind energy leads the pack with nearly a third of the generation, followed by solar at almost a fifth, hydropower providing a small share, and biofuels contributing close to none in comparison. On the fossil fuel side, coal and gas are significant sources of electricity generation, together making up more than 40%, with coal slightly ahead of gas. Additionally, there is a small contribution from net imports of electricity. Importantly, the continued reliance on fossil fuels points to ongoing challenges in fully transitioning to clean energy.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Germany?
Despite these efforts, the trajectory of electricity consumption in Germany reveals a concerning decline. The latest figure of 5431 kWh per person marks a stark decrease from the historic peak of 7906 kWh per person in 2008, translating to a drop of 2474 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has also decreased, with the latest figure at 3048 kWh per person, down by 777 kWh per person from the high of 3825 kWh per person in 2019. This downward trend is troubling, especially given the global emphasis on electrification and the urgent need to replace fossil fuels with clean electricity sources to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Germany can expand its existing wind and solar capacities, which already contribute significantly to its electricity mix. Looking at successful examples, Germany can draw inspiration from countries like France, where nuclear energy contributes a substantial 67% of electricity, offering a stable and clean energy source. Denmark provides an exemplary model in wind energy, producing 60% of its electricity from wind, demonstrating the immense potential of wind technology. Similarly, solar energy can play a crucial role, as shown by regions like Nevada and Lebanon, where solar contributes around 30% to the electricity mix. By learning from these regions, Germany can accelerate its transition to a cleaner, more sustainable electricity system, with a particular emphasis on nuclear and solar power as core components of a low-carbon future.
History
Historically, Germany has seen notable changes in low-carbon electricity generation, particularly with its nuclear and wind sectors. Beginning in the late 20th century, nuclear power saw significant expansions in the early 1980s and into the early 1990s. However, the past few decades witnessed a concerning decline, mainly starting in 2007, with substantial cuts in nuclear output following the year 2011, which had a chain of negative adjustments culminating in a severe reduction by 2022. Meanwhile, wind energy expanded notably, especially with increased output from 2011 onwards and notable growth spurts in the mid-2010s. Solar energy has shown promising growth recently, with a significant increase in 2025. Such historical patterns stress the need for a more stable and forward-looking energy policy prioritizing low-carbon technologies to ensure sustained growth in clean electricity generation.
