A Shift in the Wind: Conventional Energy Overpowers Renewables for the First Time in Years
Unprecedented two-year surge surpassed: Conventional power now exceeds capacity.
In an unexpected twist, Germany generated more juice from traditional energy sources than from renewables at the beginning of 2025, marking the first time this has happened in two years. The primary reason behind this change? A significant drop in wind power production due to a dearth of winds[1][3].
The Federal Statistical Office reports that the wind sector took a hit, decreasing by a whopping 29.2%. This decline was so considerable that electricity production from renewable sources dipped by 17.0% annually between January and March. On the flip side, production from fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and other conventional energy sources surged by a robust 19.3%[3][5].
All in all, a total of 119.4 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity was produced and distributed during the first quarter, a meager 1.9% decrease compared to the start of 2024. Interestingly, over half of the electricity generated in Germany during this period originated from fossil fuels, which accounted for 50.5% of the total energy mix, compared to 41.5% the previous year[3][5].
Despite the overall downturn experienced by renewable energy, wind power retained its coveted position as the primary energy source for electricity generation in the first quarter, with a share of 27.8%. Coal followed closely with 27.0%, and natural gas accounted for 20.6%, a hike compared to the previous year[3][5]. Electricity generation from photovoltaics increased substantially, contributing 9.2% to the total electricity mix. Biogas accounted for 6.1% and hydropower for 3.8%[3][5].
In the first quarter, Germany's electricity imports increased by 14.9% to 19.3 billion kilowatt-hours, while exports fell by a modest 3% to 16.2 billion kilowatt-hours[3][5].
Sources: ntv.de, RTS
[1] German wind power output plummets, revealing climate vulnerabilities: Energy-Charts.de[3] Germany's renewable energy output takes a blow due to 'dark wind lull': Climate Home News[5] Conventional power overtakes renewables in Germany for the first time in years: Euractiv.com
- The community's concern about the shift in energy production from renewables to conventional sources has sparked discussions on the need to revise the community policy on energy and environmental-science, focusing on the viability of the industry's reliance on finance for promoting renewable energy.
- Amidst this unexpected change, the surge in fossil fuel production has led to questions about the long-term impact on Germany's energy policy, with concerns about increased carbon emissions and their effects on the environment.
- The lesser emphasis on renewable energy in the energy policy has prompted scientists to study innovative ways to boost wind power production, aiming to maintain a balanced energy mix going forward.
