Berlin: Renewable energy sources, primarily wind and solar, comprised nearly 57 percent of Germany's electricity consumption in the initial nine months of the year, maintaining the same level as the previous year, as per industry data released on Tuesday. The figures highlight the ongoing role of renewables in Germany's energy landscape, despite fluctuations in specific sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, preliminary calculations by the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wrttemberg and the German Association of Energy and Water Industries indicated a significant increase in solar power generation, which rose by almost a quarter. However, output from onshore wind farms experienced a decline of 12 percent due to weaker wind conditions encountered in the first quarter of the year.
The overall gross electricity production in Germany saw a slight increase of 0.9 percent compared to the previous year. Traditional energy sources such as lignite and hard coal constituted just over 20 percent of the power mix, while gas-fired plants contributed approximately 16 percent.
Economy and Energy Minister Katherina Reiche announced intentions to revise Germany's energy transition strategy, forecasting a deceleration in electricity demand growth in the upcoming years. This projected trend could potentially influence the expansion of renewable energy and the development of the power grid. In an effort to reduce costs, Reiche mentioned the government is considering the elimination of subsidies for small rooftop solar systems. Nevertheless, she reiterated the government's commitment to its renewable energy target of increasing the share of renewable power to 80 percent by 2030.