In the period from September 2024 to August 2025, Germany's electricity consumption shows a decisive lean towards low-carbon sources with more than half of its electricity being derived from such clean energy avenues. Specifically, about 28% of the electricity originates from wind, reflecting the country's commitment to harnessing natural forces. Solar power also plays a significant role with more than a sixth of electricity coming from this source. Additionally, biofuels and hydropower contribute nearly one tenth and close to one tenth of electricity respectively, helping maintain a robust mix of sustainable energy sources. On the other hand, fossil energy sources continue to contribute significantly with coal alone accounting for about a quarter, and gas adding over a tenth to the electricity consumption. The data highlights Germany's energy landscape as a blend that is moving swiftly towards a clean energy future while still relying considerably on traditional fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in Germany?
However, when examining the growth trajectory of electricity consumption in Germany, there is a notable decrease. The most recent consumption figure, 5329 kWh per person in 2025, signifies a significant drop from the 2008 peak of 7906 kWh per person. This represents a reduction of more than 2500 kWh per person. The production of low-carbon electricity has also seen a decline with current levels providing 3292 kWh per person, a fall from the 2019 high of 3825 kWh per person, marking a reduction over 500 kWh per person. This decline in both general and low-carbon electricity consumption suggests potential challenges in meeting future demands for clean energy and emphasizes the urgent need to accelerate the growth of sustainable energy generation to support electrification and technological advancements.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Germany should focus on expanding its wind and solar technologies given their significant current contributions. Drawing lessons from regions that have effectively deployed these and other clean energy sources can be instructive. Regions like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind contributes to more than 60% of electricity generation, exemplify successful wind integration. Moreover, the experience of countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy contributes close to 70% and more than 60% of electricity respectively, highlights the importance of nuclear power as a stable clean energy source. Thus, Germany would benefit from further investment in nuclear and solar energy to secure a sustainable increase in clean electricity production. As pollution and climate change impact the global environment, leveraging these proven strategies could guide Germany in enhancing its low-carbon energy profile.
History
The historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity in Germany is marked by phases of growth and decline. In the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, nuclear energy underwent substantial expansion, notably with increases such as 34.3 TWh in 1985. However, this growth faced setbacks in the 2000s, particularly in the years 2007, 2009, and 2011, each witnessing considerable reductions in nuclear electricity generation. The shift away from nuclear became pronounced post-2011 with critical declines persisting into 2023. Simultaneously, wind energy emerged as a rising force, seeing noteworthy increments in 2011, 2015, and 2017, evidencing Germany’s pivot towards wind as a key component in its clean energy strategy. Although Germany faced challenges with nuclear energy, the growth of wind, alongside recent positive developments in hydropower and solar, signals a continual yet crucial journey towards sustaining and enhancing clean electricity infrastructure.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.