BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Renewable energy sources, primarily wind and solar, accounted for more than half of Germany's electricity consumption in the first quarter, reaching approximately 53 percent. This represents an increase of nearly six percentage points compared to the same period last year, according to preliminary calculations by the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg and the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW).
The prior-year quarter was characterized by low wind activity. In the first three months of this year, onshore wind power generation rose by more than a quarter year-on-year. Conversely, photovoltaic power generation was approximately five percent below the previous year's level. This decline was attributed to unfavorable weather conditions and a slightly sunnier start to the year in 2025.
Minister Reiche seeks to align expansion with power grids
Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) is planning energy transition reforms aimed at cost reduction. She intends to better align the expansion of renewable energies with the development of power grids. Furthermore, she plans to eliminate subsidies for new, small-scale solar installations. While critics accuse Reiche of slowing down the energy transition, she maintains the target of increasing the share of renewable electricity in total consumption to 80 percent by 2030.
Renewable energies strengthen Germany's security of supply, resilience, and strategic sovereignty, stated BDEW Chairwoman Kerstin Andreae, referring to the conflict in Iran and rising oil and gas prices. She emphasized the importance of reinforcing this positive momentum through reforms to the grids and the Renewable Energy Sources Act./hoe/DP/zb
