Germany, Europe’s largest industrial nation, now covers 57% of its electricity demand from renewable energies – primarily thanks to solar energy. However, politicians are planning cuts to subsidies. Therefore, Greentech and sustainable transformation are more in focus than ever at TransformIT Europe.
By Jan Nintemann and Jochen Siegle, Photo: Chuttersnap via Unsplash
Current figures show: 57% of German electricity consumption now comes from renewable energies. Solar energy, in particular, is growing strongly – it increased by around 25 percent in the first three quarters.
Wind power, however, supplied less electricity, as the first quarter had low winds. These figures initially sound positive – however, compared to other European countries, this is only mediocre given the tense political situation in the EU’s largest industrial nation.
Solar Energy is Booming, Wind Power is Faltering: Political Discussion about Subsidies
German Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche has now announced cuts to state subsidies for small solar installations. Justification: Solar installations are now profitable even without subsidies. This indicates a change of course in the energy transition – even though the goal of 80 percent green electricity by 2030 remains.
According to the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) and the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW), gross electricity generation in Germany was slightly above the previous year.
Coal-fired power plants still contributed about 20 percent, gas-fired power plants around 16 percent.
Energy Mix in Europe is Changing
In the EU as a whole, the share, according to Eurostat and the European Commission, is around 47%. The leader in Europe is Denmark with 88% (2024), followed by Portugal with 87 percent, Croatia with 73%, ahead of Spain and Germany.
Greentech in Focus at TransformIT Europe
The debate shows: Greentech, Green Business, and sustainable transformation are crucial for the future of energy supply. These very topics are at the heart of the new TransformIT Europe trade fair and conference.
At Brussels Expo, numerous exhibitors from across Europe will present their innovations for renewable energies, digitalization, and sustainable business models.
We look forward to the exchange.