Germany's current electricity consumption situation reveals a promising yet challenging landscape. More than half of Germany's electricity comes from low-carbon sources, accounting for about 55% of total consumption. Wind energy plays a significant role, contributing roughly 27%, while solar energy and hydropower contribute approximately 14% and 5%, respectively. In contrast, fossil fuels remain a substantial portion, with coal and gas together contributing about 36%. This reliance on fossil fuels underscores the need for a more aggressive transition to low-carbon energy sources to reduce emissions and combat climate change effectively.
Is Electricity Growing in Germany?
In recent years, Germany's electricity consumption has decreased notably. In 2024, the average electricity consumption stood at around 5941 kWh per person, which is significantly lower than the 7905 kWh per person recorded in 2008. This reduction—nearly 2000 kWh per person—indicates a downward trend in overall consumption. Likewise, low-carbon electricity generation per person has also declined from a peak of 3825 kWh per person in 2019 to 3240 kWh in 2024. This stalling in the growth of clean electricity is concerning, particularly when considering the pressing need for increased electrification and clean energy to support future technological advancements and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Suggestions
To bolster Germany's low-carbon electricity generation, the country should focus on expanding its existing wind and solar capacities, given their significant contributions and potential for growth. Learning from countries with successful nuclear energy programs could also provide valuable insights. For instance, France generates about 68% of its electricity from nuclear power. Germany could consider a more robust approach to nuclear energy, potentially aligning with countries like Czechia or Finland, where nuclear accounts for around 41% and 38% of electricity generation, respectively. Expanding both clean solar and nuclear energy can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy landscape, meeting future demands while reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
History
Historically, Germany saw significant increases in nuclear energy generation during the late 1970s and 1980s, with notable upticks in 1977, 1984, 1985, and 1988. However, the past two decades have been marked by a decline in nuclear electricity generation, with substantial decreases in 2007, 2009, and especially in 2011, 2020, 2022, and 2023. Concurrently, wind energy has seen tremendous growth, especially from 2011 to 2019, and consistent gains in 2022 and 2023. While the addition of solar power in 2022 demonstrates progress, this critical moment in history requires a reinvigorated approach, embracing nuclear and solar energy's potential to transform Germany's electricity landscape and ensure a clean, sustainable future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.