Electricity in Germany in 2023/2024

Over the past 12 months, from October 2023 to September 2024, Germany has made notable strides in its electricity consumption patterns towards a greener trajectory, although there remains significant reliance on fossil fuels. Low-carbon or clean energy sources, which include wind, solar, hydropower, and biofuels, accounted for a notable 63% of Germany’s electricity consumption. Wind energy contributed to almost a third of the total at 31%, solar power contributed 13%, hydropower stood at about 9%, and biofuels added just above 9%. On the other hand, fossil fuels like coal and gas represented approximately 32% of the electricity mix, with coal generating nearly 21% and gas about 11%. Additionally, net imports contributed just over 4% of the total electricity. Germany's energy mix shows a commitment toward clean energy, but the significant share of fossil fuels highlights the need for continued efforts to transition.

Suggestions

To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Germany should consider expanding its existing capacities for wind and solar power, which are already significant contributors to the country’s energy mix. Increased investments in these technologies, coupled with advancements in energy storage solutions, can help accommodate the variability of wind and solar output. Additionally, Germany can look to countries like France, Slovakia, and Finland, which have heavily invested in nuclear energy, representing more than half of their electricity generation in France. Nuclear power offers a reliable, large-scale source of low-carbon energy that can significantly reduce Germany’s dependency on fossil fuels. Implementing policies that support the construction of new nuclear plants and support existing reactors can help stabilize and increase clean energy output.

History

Germany’s journey towards low-carbon electricity has seen significant ebbs and flows, especially in the context of nuclear energy. In the early 1980s, nuclear electricity generation saw significant yearly increases, with notable jumps in 1984 (26.3 TWh) and 1985 (34.3 TWh). However, the 2000s marked a stark contrast with aggressive declines starting in 2007 (-26.8 TWh) and continuing sharply through to 2023 (-25.9 TWh). Meanwhile, wind energy has shown substantial growth, especially notable in 2015 (22.1 TWh) and 2017 (25.8 TWh), and recent years have continued this trend with significant increments in 2023 (12.7 TWh) and 2023/2024 (11.2 TWh). Additionally, hydropower saw a sharp increase in 2023/2024 (24.6 TWh). These historical trends highlight the critical need for sustained policy commitment to low-carbon energy sources like nuclear, wind, and solar to ensure a stable and green electricity supply.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources