The German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) revealed on Monday that more than half of Germany’s electricity consumption in 2023 will be sourced from renewables, marking a significant milestone. Preliminary figures indicate that Germans will use approximately 517 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity this year, a slight decrease from 2022’s 540 billion kWh. Notably, renewables will contribute 52% to the total, up from 47% in the previous year.
Positive Trends and Future Goals
“The figures show that we are on the right track,” stated Kerstin Andreae, chair of the BDEW executive board, highlighting Germany’s progress towards sustainable energy. The country has set an ambitious target of obtaining 80% of its electricity from wind and solar power by 2030. However, challenges emerged in 2022 due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, disrupting gas supplies and forcing the reactivation of coal-fired plants until March 2024.
Current Electricity Generation Breakdown
The BDEW predicts that Germany will generate 508 billion kWh of electricity in 2023, with coal contributing 26% to the mix. This marks a reduction from 2022, where coal accounted for almost a third of electricity production. Despite the government’s commitment to phase out coal by 2030, doubts persist, and some coal-fired plants have been brought back online to ensure energy security.
Strategies for a Greener Future
Germany has taken steps to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources. Berlin aims to streamline the process for installing wind turbines and has adopted a cautious approach towards approving new gas-fired power plants, insisting on their potential conversion to “clean” hydrogen. The closure of Germany’s last remaining nuclear power plants in April 2023 has stirred debates, with critics expressing concerns about achieving climate targets.
As the nation navigates challenges and adopts new strategies, Germany’s progress towards renewable energy dominance remains a key focus for both policymakers and environmental advocates.
Source：todayonline.com
