In a recent study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, it has been revealed that renewable energy sources accounted for a substantial share of Germany’s electricity generation in the first half of 2023. The study analyzed data from the Energy-Charts platform and highlighted significant developments in the country’s energy landscape.
According to the findings, renewable generation constituted 57.7 percent of the net electricity generation for public power supply, a notable increase from 51.8 percent recorded in the same period of 2022. Furthermore, the share of renewable energies in electricity consumption reached 55.5 percent. Solar and wind power plants collectively supplied 97 terawatt-hours (TWh) to the public grid, slightly lower than the 99 TWh generated during the first half of 2022. In contrast, the production from lignite, hard coal, natural gas, and nuclear sources witnessed declines of varying degrees compared to 2022 figures.
© Fraunhofer ISE/energy-charts.info
The graph shows the net electricity generation from power plants for the public power supply. This is the electricity mix that comes out of the socket. Industrial generation for own consumption is not included in this representation.
The study also highlighted the normalization of energy prices during the first half of 2023, with natural gas prices and electricity exchange prices returning to pre-Ukraine war levels, albeit still higher than 2021 prices. The impact of the nuclear phase-out, marked by the shutdown of the last nuclear power plants, was effectively managed. Factors such as increased renewable energy production, favorable weather conditions, and higher production in neighboring European countries outweighed the effects of the nuclear plant closures.
Wind energy emerged as the leading renewable energy source, contributing 67 TWh in the first half of 2023, followed by solar power plants with approximately 30 TWh. Hydropower and biomass power generation also demonstrated positive growth. However, expansion in wind capacity fell short of targets, while the addition of photovoltaic capacity remained on track.
The study underlined the decline in coal-fired power generation, with lignite and coal-fired power plants experiencing significant decreases. Additionally, the report highlighted the decrease in electricity and natural gas prices during the first half of 2023.
The study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE provides valuable insights into Germany’s renewable energy landscape, emphasizing the growing dominance of clean energy sources and the ongoing transition away from fossil fuels.
