In the first half of 2025, overall electricity generation from renewable sources in Germany declined.
According to the latest figures from the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), power generation from renewables fell by 5.9 percent compared with the same period last year. Nonetheless, renewables still accounted for 57.8 percent of total domestic electricity production.
By contrast, electricity from conventional energy sources rose by 10.1 percent year-on-year, making up 42.2 percent of total generation.
Wind power remained the single most important source of electricity at 27.2 percent. However, due to unusually weak wind conditions, wind generation in the first half of 2025 dropped by 18.1 percent compared with the previous year.
Solar power, on the other hand, recorded a sharp increase of 27.9 percent, driven by new installations and many hours of sunshine. As a result, solar energy has now moved into third place among Germany’s power sources, surpassing natural gas. Coal remains in second place.
Calls for a Faster Energy Transition – Raw Material Needs in Focus
Although the share of renewable electricity in Germany continues to grow, organizations such as the German Energy Agency (dena) and the Federal Audit Office have repeatedly called for a faster pace in the energy transition. They argue this is necessary both to meet climate targets and to maintain competitiveness.
In addition to slow permitting processes and outdated power grids, the growing demand for raw materials and Germany’s dependence on China for them is seen as a major challenge, particularly in wind energy. About a month ago, industry representatives and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy presented an action plan aimed at reducing reliance on permanent magnets made from rare earth elements, which are crucial components, especially for offshore wind turbines (we reported).
Photo: iStock/Rocco-Herrmann
