How did Germany get its renewables so right – and what stumbling blocks might it encounter still?
Germany
2020 was a stunning year for German renewables, and a killer one for coal
2020 in Germany saw huge growth in renewables but a record drop in coal generation, giving the country a post-pandemic boost to its climate ambition.
Germany’s first coal plant phase-out auction a success, with 4.8GW to close
Germany’s first auction for decommissioning coal generators results in nearly 5GW of contracted closures, including some plants opened just five years ago.
German wind report shows “repowering” wind turbines could double output by 2030
Upgrades to old German turbines could see a massive expansion of output without building in a single new spot
Germany and Denmark wind connected by world’s first “hybrid” interconnector
World’s first hybrid subsea interconnector inaugurated, joining two German and Danish offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea and allowing cross-border energy trading.
Europe’s new climate target would mean near total exit from coal by 2030
Proposed new climate target for Europe would result in the near total elimination of coal fired generation by 2030, experts say.
Renewables deliver over half of German electricity in first nine months, coal plunges
Renewables deliver more than half of Germany’s electricity in first nine months of 2020, as share of coal plunges.
Energy giant to close biggest coal generator in Germany after just five years
“Economically and politically dead”. Energy giant wants to close down its newest and biggest coal generator in Germany after just five years because it is losing money.
German energy utilities now earn more money from renewables than fossil fuels
Big German utilities now earn more money from renewables than they do from fossil fuels and nuclear, and their share prices are outperforming the overall market.
New offshore wind-powered hydrogen project approved in Germany
Germany backs pilot project which will build a 30MW electrolyser to produce green hydrogen from electricity generated by an offshore wind farm.
