Germany has been making rapid progress in renewable energy and has set a new record in 2014. According to preliminary surveys by the German Association of Energy and Water (BDEW), renewable energy-based electricity generation in the country has crossed 25 per cent of the gross electricity produced. According to data, the gross electricity generation in 2014 was 25.8 per cent, up by 1.7 per cent as compared to 24.1 per cent in 2013.
| Gross electricity generation in Germany by energy source | ||||
| Electricity generation in Germany | billion kilowatt-hours (109 kWh) | Percentage (%) | ||
| Energy sources | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 |
| Lignite | 160.9 | 156 | 25.4 | 25.6 |
| Nuclear energy | 97.3 | 96.9 | 15.4 | 15.9 |
| Hard coal | 121.7 | 109.9 | 19.2 | 18 |
| Natural gas | 67.5 | 58.5 | 10.7 | 9.6 |
| Petroleum products | 7.2 | 5 | 1.1 | 0.8 |
| Renewable | 152.4 | 157.4 | 24.1 | 25.8 |
| Rest | 26.2 | 26.7 | 4.1 | 4.3 |
| Total gross electricity production | 633.2 | 610.4 | 100 | 100 |
| Total Gross electricity consumption | 599.4 | 576.3 | ||
| Source: German Association of Energy and Water (BDEW) | ||||
| Share of electricity from renewable energy sources | ||||
| Energy sources | Electricity generated in 2013 (billion kWh) |
Electricity generated 2014 (billion kWh) |
Percentage share of electricity generation in 2014 (%) | Change over previous year |
| Onshore wind | 50.8 | 51.2 | 32.5 | +0.7 |
| Offshore wind | 0.9 | 1.2 | 0.8 | +37 |
| Hydro | 23 | 20.8 | 13.2 | -9.5 |
| Biomass | 41.2 | 42.8 | 27.2 | +4 |
| Solar Photovoltaic | 31 | 35.2 | 22.4 | +13.5 |
| Household waste | 5.4 | 6.1 | 3.9 | +12.7 |
| Sum | 152.4 | 157.4 | 100 | 3.3% |
| Source: German Association of Energy and Water (BDEW) | ||||
Germany has set national renewable electricity targets of 40 to 45 per cent by 2025, 55 to 60 per cent by 2035 and 80 per cent by 2050. Based on 2014 performance, those targets appear to be achievable. Germany’s goal of “Energiewende” or energy transition to renewable energy is very much on its path.