The German Government has set an ambitious goal to source 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Despite this progress, the growth falls short of the targets outlined in Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), which aims for 115 GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030. The government has set an ambitious goal to derive 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by the same year, driven by the need to diversify energy supplies following reduced fossil fuel imports. The Wind and Solar Energy Agency noted a significant improvement in permitting processes, with the average time to approve new wind projects reduced by over 20% to 18 months.
Germany’s Economy Minister Katherina Reiche commented: “The previous government might have prioritised climate protection almost too much.” She announced a review of electricity demand, energy security, and the progress of grid and renewable energy infrastructure to ensure balanced development. The BWE has called for measures to enhance investment confidence, accelerate grid upgrades, and streamline regulations for repowering and transporting large equipment.
However, renewable energy output faced challenges, with clean energy production dropping to less than 80 terawatt-hours (TWh) in the first four months of 2025, a 16% decline from 2024 and the lowest since at least 2015, according to energy think tank Ember. To address this shortfall, German power companies increased fossil fuel-based electricity generation by 10% compared to the previous year, resulting in the highest fossil fuel share in the national power mix since 2018.
The surge in wind power approvals and installations highlights Germany’s commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity, but achieving the 2030 targets will require sustained efforts to overcome permitting delays, enhance infrastructure, and balance energy demands. The ongoing review by the government aims to address these challenges while maintaining momentum in the transition to a cleaner energy future.
