Renewable energy generators delivered 28 per cent of Germany's power production during the first half of this year, according to new figures, marking the latest milestone for the country as it continues its high-profile Energiewende low carbon transition.
Analysis by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy published this week reveals that wind and solar power projects significantly increased their levels of generation in the first half of 2014, compared with the same period last year, thanks to a combination of mild temperatures, high winds and increased capacity.
In the first half of the year, solar and wind power plants met around 17 per cent of Germany's electricity demand - or 45 TWh. A further 11 per cent was provided by biomass and hydropower plants, meaning that renewables met more than a quarter of power demand.
Meanwhile, fossil fuel energy plants all saw a decline in generation compared with last year. Gas fired power plants in particular produced a quarter less power than in the first half of 2013, and half as much as in the first half of 2010, marking a declining trend.
Production from brown coal powered plants fell by four per cent and hard coal dropped by 11 per cent compared with last year.
Max Hildebrandt, renewable energy industry expert at Germany Trade & Invest, said the figures demonstrated the success of the government's policies to drive up renewables capacity.
"The reoccurring records for renewables in Germany demonstrate the incredible success of Germany's EEG legislation," he said.
The news comes in the same week as the UK set a new summer record for wind power output and research suggested the UK's solar capacity has passed the 5GW mark for the first time. [Business Green]
No comments:
Post a Comment