Germany Records a Historic Growth in Renewable Energy in 2024
Germany’s Renewable Energy Capacity Surges in 2024. According to preliminary data published by Bundesnetzagentur, Germany increased its installed renewable energy capacity by nearly 20 gigawatts (GW) in 2024, reaching a total of almost 190 GW. This marks a 12% year-on-year growth, driven primarily by photovoltaic installations and wind turbines.
Photovoltaics Lead the Growth
In 2024, Germany added 16.2 GW of new photovoltaic capacity, slightly surpassing the record set the previous year. Two-thirds of these new installations were rooftop and façade systems, while the remaining portion was installed on large open areas. Bavaria saw the highest increase, with 4 GW of new capacity. By the end of the year, Germany’s total installed photovoltaic capacity reached 99.3 GW.
The year also set a record for small plug-in photovoltaic systems, with around 435,000 new installations registered, accounting for 2.6% of the new photovoltaic capacity. Additionally, the total energy storage capacity grew to 17.7 GWh, with a significant share coming from residential storage systems.
Wind Energy Development
While onshore wind energy installations added only 2.5 GW of new capacity in 2024, the number of building permits issued for turbines reached a record 15 GW—a 90% increase compared to 2023. This suggests strong future growth in the sector. Germany’s total onshore wind capacity now stands at 63.5 GW.
Offshore wind energy also experienced significant growth, with 0.7 GW of new capacity added in 2024—more than double the figure from 2023. Key projects include the Baltic Eagle and Gode Wind wind farms, which collectively installed 73 new turbines. Germany’s total offshore wind capacity has now reached 9.2 GW.
Biomass and Other Technologies
Biomass capacity increased by 110 MW, maintaining the growth rate of the previous year. Two large cogeneration plants powered by biomethane were launched in the Hanover region, each with 20 MW of electrical and thermal capacity. Another power plant in Oberkirch, converted from coal to biomass, also has the same capacity.
Expert Commentary
Dr. Robert Habeck, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, emphasized:
“Renewable energy is taking a leading role in Germany’s electricity production. It now accounts for nearly 60% of total generation, equivalent to 254.9 TWh in 2024. At the same time, coal-fired energy production has fallen to its lowest level in decades.”
Klaus Müller, President of Bundesnetzagentur, added:
“The record number of permits for onshore wind turbines provides a solid foundation for optimism about the future. Streamlined approval processes are delivering results, and our path toward energy transition is gaining momentum.”
Conclusions
Despite doubts raised a year ago, the past twelve months have proven pivotal for Germany’s energy transition. The record increase in installed capacity, particularly in photovoltaics and wind energy, points to continued dynamic growth. Simplified administrative processes and heightened investment activity indicate that Germany is on track to meet its 2030 climate goals. These changes in the energy mix not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also contribute to climate protection.
Source: bundesnetzagentur.de