Decline in Contribution of Renewable Energy in German Electricity Generation

In the opening months of 2025, Germany's electricity production landscape underwent some significant changes. A total of 221 billion kilowatt hours of electricity was generated, a slight decrease of 0.4 percent compared to the same period last year, amounting to 229.2 billion kilowatt hours.

The feed-in of electricity from renewable energy sources decreased by 5.9 percent to 127.7 billion kilowatt hours. However, it's worth noting that 57.8 percent of the domestically produced electricity still came from renewable sources. The increase in photovoltaics was so strong that it pushed natural gas to fourth place among the most important energy sources. Electricity from photovoltaics accounted for 17.8 percent of the total electricity produced.

The significant increase in photovoltaic energy generation was driven by a rapid expansion of new solar installations. Notable projects include a major 24 MWp photovoltaic parking canopy built by Axpo and the MOSOLF Group in Kippenheim, as well as other investments by companies like Energy Deutschland GmbH and Ikea Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG.

In contrast, electricity generation from wind power decreased by 18.1 percent to 60.2 billion kilowatt hours. Coal remained the second most important energy source in domestic electricity generation, with a share of 22.7 percent of the total electricity produced, and electricity generation from coal-fired power plants increased by 9.3 percent to 50.3 billion kilowatt hours.

In the first half of 2025, conventional energy carriers saw an increase of 10.1 percent to 93.2 billion kilowatt hours, making up 42.2 percent of domestic electricity production. Natural gas fell to fourth place among the most important energy sources, with a share of 16.2 percent of the total electricity production.

The amount of electricity imported into Germany increased slightly by 0.8 percent to 37.8 billion kilowatt hours. After an import surplus of 9.8 billion kilowatt hours was recorded in the first half of 2024, this surplus narrowed to 8.3 billion kilowatt hours in the first half of 2025. Around 28 percent more electricity was imported from abroad than exported there in the first half of 2025. In contrast, the amount of electricity exported increased by 6.5 percent to 29.5 billion kilowatt hours.

Wind power remained the most important energy source in domestic electricity production, with a share of 27.2 percent. Despite the decrease in wind power generation, it continues to play a crucial role in Germany's electricity mix.

These changes in Germany's electricity production reflect a shifting energy landscape, with renewable energy sources continuing to play a significant role, while traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas still hold a considerable share. The expansion of renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, is a promising sign for a more sustainable future.