Germany made it! Over 40% renewable electricity* in 2018, for the first time ever. After 38.2% in 2017, now 40.4%.
Nuclear 13.3%, fossils 46.3%
*) based on net power generation for the public grid.
Thx Bruno @energy_charts for your data and charts!
Nuclear 13.3%, fossils 46.3%
*) based on net power generation for the public grid.
Thx Bruno @energy_charts for your data and charts!
In 15 years, the share of renewables in German electricity quintupled, from 8.5% in 2003 to 40.4% in 2018.
Since just before its nuclear exit (2010), it gained 21%-points.
Since just before its nuclear exit (2010), it gained 21%-points.
That meant that renewables were able to replace the electricity from the nuclear power plants shut down since 2011 (Fukushima), and reduce electricity from gas (-35%) and hard coal (-25%) at the same time. Lignite (brown coal) use remained stable, due to its low marginal cost.
Germany’s coal exit is mainly about its exit from lignite, which is domestically produced. Some energy companies and trade unions lobby to go slowly, while climate action requires a fast exit. The Coal Commission is supposed to come up with a plan in the coming few months.
The share of renewable electricity varies from week to week. The lowest weekly share was 26% in week 42 (Oct), and the highest was 53.5% in week 49 (Dec).
So making it work at even higher shares is not just about day/night storage (batteries), but also about bridging those weeks
So making it work at even higher shares is not just about day/night storage (batteries), but also about bridging those weeks
