Germany covers nearly 56 percent of 2025 electricity use with renewables – Clean Energy Wire

Germany’s Renewable Energy Progress in 2025: A Sustainable Development Goals Perspective

Overview of Renewable Energy Share

In 2025, renewable energy sources accounted for nearly 56% of Germany’s gross electricity consumption, according to preliminary data from the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) and the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW). This milestone aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Key Developments in Renewable Energy Production

1. Solar Power Growth
   • Solar power output increased by 18.7% over the year.
   • Installed solar capacity expanded by more than 17 gigawatts (GW).
2. Wind Power Variability
   • Wind power production experienced a 5.2% decline compared to 2024, due to a historically weak first quarter and March being the least windy month since 1950.
   • Stronger winds in the second and third quarters compensated for early-year losses.
   • Onshore wind turbines with a capacity of 5.2 GW were added, up from 3.3 GW the previous year.
3. Hydropower Challenges
   • Hydropower output dropped by 24.1% due to significantly less precipitation.
   • Hydropower contributed only 3.2% of total renewable power output.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
  • The expansion of solar and wind power capacity supports the goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
  • Investment in renewable infrastructure enhances energy accessibility and affordability.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • Growth in renewable energy technologies demonstrates innovation and resilient infrastructure development.
• SDG 13: Climate Action
  • Increasing renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation.
  • Maintaining the momentum in renewables is critical to meeting Germany’s climate targets.

Challenges and Recommendations

BDEW head Kerstin Andreae emphasized the importance of continuing the energy transition as a foundation for economic adaptability and resilience. She highlighted the urgent need for:

• Auctions for gas-fired power plants to back up intermittent renewable production.
• Implementation of a capacity market to ensure grid stability.

ZSW research head Frithjof Staiß noted the robustness of the renewable sector despite economic challenges but warned about growing uncertainty in future regulatory frameworks. He urged the government to provide clarity on support mechanisms for renewable technologies to accelerate green hydrogen initiatives, supporting SDG 7 and SDG 9.

Insights from the Ariadne Research Project

Government-backed researchers from the Ariadne project cautioned against slowing the expansion of renewable power capacity, citing risks including:

• Higher electricity prices for consumers.
• Increased dependence on gas-fired power and electricity imports.
• Potential failure to meet climate targets due to higher emissions.

The researchers stressed that despite uncertainties in electricity demand growth projections, reducing support for renewables would ultimately increase total system costs and emissions, conflicting with SDG 7 and SDG 13 objectives.

Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Energy Transition

• Prioritize flexibility technologies such as electric vehicles, heat pumps, and batteries to complement renewable energy sources.
• Promote policies that avoid prolonged reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13.
• Ensure sustained rapid expansion of renewable capacity to maintain a viable emissions reduction pathway and affordable energy supply.

Conclusion

Germany’s renewable energy sector demonstrated significant growth in 2025, contributing positively to multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Continued commitment to expanding renewable capacity, supported by clear regulatory frameworks and complementary technologies, is essential to achieving a sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon energy future.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article focuses on the expansion of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower in Germany.
   • It discusses the share of renewables in electricity consumption and the need for supporting infrastructure and policies.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article highlights the importance of reducing emissions through renewable energy expansion to meet climate targets.
   • It warns against slowing down renewables expansion to avoid increased emissions and climate risks.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Mentions the need for capacity markets and auctions for gas-fired power plants to support grid stability.
   • References the importance of flexible technologies like electric vehicles, heat pumps, and batteries.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Discusses system costs, consumer prices, and the economic implications of renewable energy policies.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services (implied through grid expansion and capacity additions).
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (implied by the emphasis on meeting climate targets and emission reductions).
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (implied through system cost management and energy efficiency technologies).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Renewable Energy Share
   • Percentage of gross electricity consumption covered by renewable energy sources (e.g., 56% in 2025).
2. Installed Capacity
   • Gigawatts (GW) of installed solar power and onshore wind turbines added annually.
3. Energy Output Changes
   • Year-on-year percentage changes in solar power output (+18.7%), wind power output (-5.2%), and hydropower output (-24.1%).
4. Emissions Levels
   • Implied through references to emissions reductions and climate target achievement (though specific emission indicators are not directly stated).
5. Electricity Prices and System Costs
   • Consumer electricity prices and total system costs as economic indicators related to renewable energy expansion.
6. Grid Stability and Capacity Market Indicators
   • Indicators related to capacity markets and backup power availability to ensure grid reliability.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: cleanenergywire.org