With nearly 20 GW of capacity added in a single year, Germany's renewable energy sources have solidified their position as the cornerstone of the national energy mix. By 2025, renewables are expected to supply 254.9 TWh of electricity annually.
2024: Key Figures for Germany’s Renewable Energy Growth
While Italy awaits Terna’s final data for 2024, Germany’s Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has released its preliminary report on the country’s renewable energy expansion. In 2024, renewable energy sources accounted for 59% of Germany’s total electricity production, up from 56% in 2023. Out of 431.7 TWh of electricity generated, an impressive 254.9 TWh came from renewables.
Wind power played a leading role in electricity generation. Offshore wind farms contributed 25.7 TWh (up from 23.5 TWh in 2023), while onshore wind farms generated 111.9 TWh (slightly down from 118.8 TWh in 2023). Solar power also made significant strides, supplying 63.3 TWh compared to 55.7 TWh in 2023. Biomass plants added another 36.0 TWh (a slight decrease from 37.8 TWh in 2023).
This growth owes much to the surge in new installations during 2024. Germany added 20 GW of renewable capacity, bringing the country’s total installed green energy capacity to nearly 190 GW.
Minister Habeck: Renewables Are Transforming Germany’s Energy Landscape
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, Robert Habeck, emphasized the significance of this rapid expansion.
“Renewable energy is now taking the lead in Germany’s electricity production,” Habeck stated. “Over the past two years, we’ve consistently simplified and accelerated the permitting process. The results are clear—expansion and authorization processes are now significantly more dynamic, paving the way for robust growth in the future. We’re on the right track. The energy transition is advancing, making us less dependent on fossil fuel imports and benefiting our climate.”
Solar and Wind Power Expansion in 2024
Solar energy was the standout performer in 2024, with 16.2 GW of new capacity added. Two-thirds of this capacity came from rooftop and building-integrated systems, bringing Germany’s total solar capacity to 99.3 GW. Notably, the largest new solar installation, a 162 MW plant, was commissioned in Saxony. An emerging trend was the popularity of balcony solar systems, with approximately 435,000 new installations totaling 400 MW in 2024.
Onshore wind saw a slower growth rate, with only 2.5 GW of new capacity added—less than in 2023. However, Germany granted a record 15 GW in onshore wind permits, setting the stage for future growth. As of 2024, Germany’s cumulative onshore wind capacity stands at 63.5 GW.
Offshore wind power added 0.7 GW of new capacity, bringing the total installed offshore capacity to 9.2 GW.
