Renewable energy output in Germany fell in the first quarter of 2025, as windless months and low rainfall dragged down production from wind and hydropower plants, according to preliminary industry figures.
Between January and March wind turbines, solar parks and other renewable sources produced 63.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity – about 16% less than in the first quarter of 2024, according to projections by the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research and the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) made available to dpa.
Electricity generation from hard coal, lignite and gas-fired power plants increased, according to the report. Electricity imports also rose to help cover demand.
Offshore wind power fell by 31% and onshore by 22%, as February and March saw little wind, the report noted. Low rainfall contributed to a decline in hydropower output. However, solar generation rose by about 32% year-on-year.
Overall, renewable sources accounted for 47% of electricity consumption in the first quarter. They remain key to meeting Germany’s climate targets.
BDEW executive board chair Kerstin Andreae said that the generation of renewable energy fluctuates with weather conditions, adding that more storage capacity is needed to ensure supply security.
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