Germany doubles renewable electricity share in 10 years; construction begins in Czechia after years of stagnation

The share of electricity generation from renewable sources in gross electricity consumption in Germany will reach 52 % this year. At least, this is indicated by preliminary estimates from the German Energy and Water Industries Association (BDEW), which adds that lower overall electricity consumption also contributed to the higher share. While the share of renewables has doubled in Germany in recent years, it stagnated in the Czech Republic for many years, and the sector is only now starting to awaken after the energy crisis. 

The preliminary estimates, which are unlikely to change much given that the year is drawing to a close, point to another record year for Germany's energy sector. For the first time ever, renewable sources covered more than half of the country's gross electricity consumption – the final share is now estimated at 52 %.

However, the record share was primarily helped by two factors: low electricity consumption and substantially lower total generation by German power plants. This is expected to reach just under 510 TWh this year, representing a decline of more than 10 % compared with the previous year and almost 13 % compared with 2021.

The record was driven mainly by renewable generation in July and May this year, when the share reached 59 % and 57 %, respectively. October and November were likewise above-average months, with renewable generation accounting for 55 % in both cases.

Despite a 6% increase in electricity generation from renewables, total electricity generation in Germany fell by almost 11 %. This also helped make Germany a net electricity importer again this year. Germany is expected to post a negative balance of 9 TWh.

Germany has made considerable progress in the development of renewables in recent years. Since 2003, the share of their generation has increased from just 8 % to the current approximately 52 %. Over the past 10 years, the share has more than doubled from 24 % at the time. The share of renewables in the country is set to rise to 80 % by 2030.

By contrast, in the Czech Republic, the share of renewables in total electricity generation has largely stagnated over the past decade, remaining at around 13 % since 2013. This is mainly due to the rapid expansion of renewables in 2010 and 2011 and its consequences – above all, the near-complete halt to operating support for renewables.

However, in connection with the energy crisis and its gradual easing, renewables are beginning to gain ground again. Although these are so far mainly smaller installations, larger projects are also being planned and built after a long time, particularly thanks to subsidies from the European Union's Modernisation Fund.

At the beginning of this year, the first bids were also selected in auctions to support renewables. So far, the most successful has been the auction supporting wind power plants, where successful bids totalled 45 MW of installed capacity.