The 2024 annual report of the German Bundesverbands der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e.V. (BDEW) concludes that the coalition government has significantly advanced the expansion of renewable energies. In 2024, over one million PV systems were installed, a fourfold increase compared to 2021. The growth in onshore wind power systems also remained high at +28 % compared to 2021.
The share of renewable energies in gross electricity generation rose to 58% (2023: 54%) and the share of electricity consumption to 55% (2023: 53%). PV (+20%) and offshore wind power (+11%) in particular contributed to the positive development, with more than half of electricity consumption being covered by renewable sources in most months.
CO2 emissions from the energy industry fell to 188 million tonnes in 2024, 60% less than in 1990. Despite rising electricity consumption (512 billion kWh), emissions fell by 9% compared to the previous year. This is thanks to the higher proportion of renewable energies.
Requirements and outlook
However, the increased number of PV systems poses challenges for the electricity grid, as many smaller systems potentially feed into the grid in an uncontrolled manner. There is an urgent need for legal regulations on controllability, as well as accelerated authorisation procedures and an extension of the Kraft-Wärme-Kopplungsgesetz.
Controllable power plants are essential for grid stability and security of supply. These must be expanded quickly in order to compensate for fluctuations in renewable energies. At the same time, storage technologies and flexible solutions such as hydrogen electrolysers and battery storage are essential.
In addition, measures should be taken to reduce electricity prices, such as a reduced electricity tax or subsidies for transmission grid fees, in order to relieve the burden on citizens and the economy. This would also increase the acceptance and attractiveness of the energy transition. Long-term implementation requires a reliable regulatory framework and considerable private investment.
