Fossil fuel sources or green electricity? Germany wants to become independent from fossil fuels. What is the state of electricity supply and gas storage, and how is the expansion of green electricity going?
To become independent of fossil fuels, energy must come from somewhere else. A distinction should be made between energy for the electricity market and heating. Climate-friendly technologies such as heat pumps are not yet widely adopted.
The situation is different in the electricity market. Many private households are still heated by gas. Accordingly, the share of renewable energy sources in the heat supply market is small – about one-seventh. Part of it comes from nuclear power plants: in recent years, this is about one-seventh to one-eighth of the state’s electricity, that is, regardless of the generation of electricity for industry.
However, the remaining nuclear power plants should be closed by the end of this year. Green electricity accounts for about half of electricity generation. Renewable energy comes mainly from wind turbines, followed by solar and biomass. Hydropower plays a minor role in Germany.
Although the share of renewable energy sources in electricity generation is steadily increasing, about 40% of the state’s electricity is still generated by coal or gas.
The gas storages must now be filled to prepare for winter. To this end, Germany has recently decided on deadlines for certain filling levels. The reason is Russian threats to turn off the gas valve.
In addition to this short-term reaction, dependence on fossil fuel imports should also be reduced through the expansion of renewable energy sources.
Wind energy is the subject of much debate. It currently accounts for about half of all green electricity, and last year it accounted for about a quarter of public sector electricity generation. After all, there can be no embargo on wind and solar.