– In 2023, Germany achieved a record 56% of electricity from clean sources, leading to a more than 20% reduction in power sector emissions compared to 2022.
– Coal-fired electricity generation dropped by nearly 30%, and overall fossil fuel sources saw a reduction of over 20% in electricity output.
– Output cuts in energy-intensive sectors, like chemicals and fertilizers, might have influenced the positive electricity profile by reducing consumption in 2023.
– The true extent of Germany’s energy transition away from fossil fuels may become clearer in 2024 as new fixed power cost deals for businesses could impact total electricity demand.
– The share of clean power in Germany’s electricity mix reached a record 55.8% in 2023, up from 50.7% in 2022 and an average of 47.5% from 2015 through 2020.
– Despite a year-on-year decline in clean electricity generation, it exceeded fossil fuel-generated electricity in 2023, contributing to new highs in clean power’s share.
– Record growth in clean power generation capacity, particularly from solar and wind sites in 2023, is expected to further boost Germany’s clean power generation in 2024.
– The balance between clean and fossil fuel generation in 2024 will depend on total electricity and power demand, especially from Germany’s industrial sector recovering from output cuts.
– Government and industrial measures to reduce power prices for key businesses aim to stimulate growth in 2024, potentially increasing total energy consumption.
– Increased renewable energy capacity provides an opportunity to meet additional energy demand, but if heavy industry raises electricity use, fossil fuel output may also rise, impacting clean power’s share.
