Wind energy was the largest source of energy in the first quarter for the Germans, as their production increased by 12% compared to the previous year, and its share reached 38.5%.
Nearly 60% of the total electricity supplied to the German grid in the first three months of 2024 came from renewable energy sources, according to data published by the country's statistics agency (Destatis). Renewable energy production rose to a record 58.4% in the first quarter, while total national electricity production fell by 7.5%.
Wind energy was the largest source of domestic energy in the first quarter, as its production increased by 12% compared to the previous year, bringing its share to 38.5%. All renewable energy sources increased their share, including hydropower plants.
Traditional energy sources contributed 41.6%, with electricity production from coal falling to 23% of the grid, while the share of natural gas fell to just under 16%. In contrast, in the first quarter of 2023, nuclear power has stopped contributing electricity to the grid.
In 2023, renewable energy production contributed, for the first time, to more than half of electricity consumption for an entire year. The government aims to increase this percentage to 80% by 2030.
The decline in Germany's electricity production as well as total energy consumption in early 2024 is partly due to weak economic development, a warm climate and high energy prices.
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