Germany's energy mix has undergone impressive development over the past decade, becoming an international benchmark for the transition toward a model based on renewable energy. 2024 marked a new turning point for Germany, consolidating its commitment to sustainability and reducing polluting emissions like never before. Through a determined commitment to technological innovation, efficiency, and the transformation of its generation mix, Germany has achieved milestones that fascinate both experts and ordinary citizens.
Beyond the numbers and percentages, contemporary German energy history is marked by courageous decisions, significant challenges, and a firm vision for the future. Renewable sources, storage technologies, regulatory changes, and the involvement of all sectors have led to a process of profound change that brings together the economy, ecology, and society. In this article, we break down, in great detail and with verified data, how Germany has shaped its current energy mix, the specific weight of each renewable source, the progress made, and the challenges ahead in the international and national context.
Recent developments in the energy mix in Germany
The year 2024 marked a milestone in German electricity generation: Renewable energies reached 62,7% of net public electricity generation, according to the prestigious Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE). This figure far exceeds the 59% achieved in total generation, which includes self-consumption and exported and imported electricity. The progress is even more notable when compared to the situation just a few years ago, highlighting the accelerated deployment of infrastructure and the modernization of the sector. The transition not only has an environmental impact, but also an economic and social one., as wholesale electricity prices fell by 17,5% compared to 2023, reaching €78,51/MWh.
This transformation has been accompanied by a Historic emission reduction: CO2 emissions from the German electricity sector fell to 152 million tons, which is 58% less than in 1990 and half of what it was in 2014. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that 2024 was the first full year without nuclear power in German electricity generation since 1962., following the closure of the last nuclear power plants in 2023.
Participation of each renewable source in the mix
Within the renewable panorama, Wind energy stands out as the main source of electricityIn 2024, this contributed nearly 136,4 terawatt-hours (TWh), equivalent to 33% of net public generation. However, onshore wind power declined slightly compared to previous years, standing at 110,7-111,9 TWh, while offshore wind power improved, reaching 25,7 TWh.
El biomass contribution remained stable, with around 36 TWh generated in the year and a constant installed capacity of 9,1 GW. For its part, hydroelectric power generated 21,7 TWh, remaining around the levels of previous years.
Decarbonization and the end of nuclear energy
One of the most symbolic changes of 2024 was the complete elimination of nuclear energy from the national electricity systemAfter decades of social and political debate, the Emsland A, Neckarwestheim 2, and Isar 2 nuclear power plants were shut down, and their production quota was replaced with clean energy. This historic step positions Germany at the forefront of decarbonization, aligning its national goals with international commitments to climate neutrality by 2045.
In parallel, Coal-fired electricity generation reached historic lowsLignite contributed 71,1 TWh (8,4% less than the previous year) and hard coal 24,2 TWh (a 27,6% decrease). Overall coal production has not reached such low levels since 1957, in the midst of the post-war period.
Imports, exports and the role of natural gas
El Foreign electricity trade took center stage in 2024Germany increased its imports to 24,9 TWh, boosted by low prices in neighboring countries during the summer months. France and Denmark became key suppliers, with balances of 12,9 and 12,0 TWh respectively. On the other hand, Germany exported 35,1 TWh to countries such as Austria, Poland, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic., taking advantage of its flexibility and renewable generation capacity.
New developments in energy storage
La expansion of storage systems It is emerging as one of the fields with the greatest potential. Installed battery capacity soared from 8,6 GW in 2023 to 12,1 GW in 2024, and total storage increased from 12,7 GWh to 17,7 GWh. These advances allow for better integration of renewable generation, especially solar and wind, facilitating the use of energy when it's most needed and reducing production peaks and valleys.
Despite this growth, There are still barriers to maximizing storage utilization, especially in small home systems.Additional economic incentives and regulatory frameworks are needed to promote the flexibility and integration of stored energy into the overall electricity system. German Federation of Renewable Energies calls for policies that promote these developments, supporting a coordinated strategy to break down barriers and optimize sectoral integration.
Impact of self-consumption and digitalization
El Photovoltaic self-consumption experienced considerable growth, with 12,4 TWh generated directly and without passing through the grid. This phenomenon, along with the expansion of digitalization and smart meters, enables much more precise management of electricity consumption and generation. Digital meters allow users to monitor their consumption in real time, facilitating energy savings and efficiency.
Digitalization is not just a matter of individual control: Smart metering systems synchronize renewable production and demand in real timeThis way, the entire national infrastructure is better prepared to absorb peak consumption, for example, when many Germans charge electric vehicles at the same time.
Investment, prices and demand evolution
One of the clearest effects of this transformation is reflected in the evolution of energy pricesThe average wholesale price on the German daily market fell by 17,5% compared to 2023, reaching €78,51/MWh. Furthermore, price volatility decreased: There were fewer hours with high prices, and although negative prices increased, this reveals a more flexible system adapted to the massive integration of renewables.
With regards to total demand, electricity generation fell by 4,2% compared to 2023, to 431,7 TWh, reflecting both increased efficiency and savings and consumption moderation promoted by public policies and behavioral changes.
Significant savings efforts are being made in the building sector: around 35% of final energy is consumed for heating and hot water. The German government offers subsidies for efficient building renovations, with more than five million owners having benefited since 2000 through modern renovations and installations that reduce energy use.
Future prospects and pending challenges
Key players in the sector stress that while the achievements of 2024 are notable, There is still a long way to go to consolidate 100% renewable energy security.Priorities for the coming years include:
- Promoting the electrification of transport and industry, getting more sectors to migrate to electricity consumption from renewable sources.
- Reform the electricity market to make flexibility and adaptation to renewable variability more attractive, promoting the use of dynamic tariffs and intelligent management systems.
- Deploy charging infrastructure and e-fuels in transport, especially in sectors that are difficult to electrify.
- Expand biogas capacity, green cogeneration, and large-scale batteries, which could contribute up to an additional 38 GW by 2030.
- Breaking down regulatory barriers which make storage integration and active consumer participation difficult.
The president of the German Federation of Renewable Energies, Simone Peter, insists that future energy security must be anchored in clean sources and less dependence on fossil fuels, including natural gas and non-renewable hydrogen.
In terms of responsible consumption and efficiency, Germany is committed to a continuous reduction in primary energy use. The goal for 2050 is to reduce total consumption by 50% compared to 2008, through incentives, modernization, and digitalization. The residential sector has specific support for energy renovation, while digital technology, especially smart meters, enables more effective coordination between generation and demand.
Germany's international role and final considerations
Thanks to this progress, Germany has positioned itself as one of the world's leaders in the energy transition, serving as an example and benchmark for other European countries and the rest of the world. The combination of renewable technologies, digitalization, efficiency-boosting policies, and firm medium- and long-term commitments places the country at the forefront of global decarbonization.
The path taken by Germany is not without challenges: security of supply, economic viability, social acceptance of new renewable energy and storage projects, as well as the adaptation of infrastructure to new consumption patterns. However, the data show a steady and positive trend, with a record reduction in emissions, more stable prices, greater efficiency, and an unstoppable growth in the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix.
The year 2024 will be remembered as a turning point in the modernization and greening of the German electricity system. Progress in wind and solar energy, storage, and self-consumption, as well as the phase-out of nuclear power and the drastic reduction in coal use, reaffirm Germany's commitment to a sustainable future. As new regulatory and technological barriers are broken down, smart infrastructure is expanded, and international cooperation is strengthened, Germany is moving closer, step by step, to its goal of a climate-neutral, modern, and resilient electricity grid.