Wind Taking a Backseat: Traditional Power Sources Triumph Over Renewables for First Time in Two Years (Q1 2025)
Traditional power sources exceed renewable energy for the first time in a two-year span.
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Germany's electricity generation saw a shake-up in Q1 2025, with traditional energy sources reigning supreme over renewables for the first time in two years. Unexpectedly tame winds caused wind power generation to nosedive by 29.2 percent, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
With renewable sources taking a tumble, total electricity generation saw a 1.9 percent decrease year-on-year, while conventional energy sources (coal, natural gas, etc.) witnessed a noteworthy boost of 19.3 percent. The result? A total of 119.4 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity hit the grid—slightly less than the same period the previous year.
Traditional energy sources accounted for a hefty 50.5 percent of the electricity generated, up from 41.5 percent in the previous year. Renewables still had a robust showing, but they fell behind, with wind power taking the cake as the leading energy source for the first quarter, despite a 31% drop[1]. Coal came in a close second, followed by natural gas, which saw a notable increase[4]. Solar power experienced a surge, gaining 33% and now representing 9.2 percent of the total mix[4]. Biogas accounted for 6.1 percent, and hydropower claimed 3.8 percent.
Feeling the strain of the wind's absence, Germany upped its electricity imports by 14.9 percent, totaling 19.3 billion kilowatt-hours, while exports dipped by 3 percent to 16.2 billion kilowatt-hours[2].
What's the story behind this dramatic shift?
- Why the Wind Didn't Blow: In Q1 2025, wind power production in Germany dropped significantly, dripping down by 31 percent according to the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW)[1]. This decline hampered the total renewable energy output, creating room for conventional energy sources to take the lead if the demand or production from these sources stayed steadfast or escalated.
- Solar Power Playing Field: The solar PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) market in Germany buckled under pressure from plummeting costs, hinting at an intensifying competition or newlyfound efficiency in the solar sector[3][5]. However, the dropping solar prices don't explain the shift to traditional energy sources entirely.
- Weather Woes: Weather conditions can make or break renewable energy production. For instance, PNE AG was hit by inclement weather, which impacted their operations[1]. Poor wind conditions might have slowed the renewable energy production, allowing traditional energy sources to seize the opportunity and surge ahead.
While it is possible that the drop in renewable energy, combined with stable or greater demand and production from conventional sources, could have caused conventional energy sources to grab the crown for the first time in two years, further statistical analysis and market insights would be required to fully unravel the intricacies of this power shift.
Sources: ntv.de, RTS
[1] BDEW (German Association of Energy and Water Industries). (2025, May 4). Wind Energy Production in Germany Takes a Hit. Retrieved from BDEW.de[2] Statista, (2025, May 4). Germany's Electricity Imports and Exports. Retrieved from Statista.com[3] MER initiated a solar PPA with a project developer, Lekela Power. (2024, April 8). Renewable Energy World. Retrieved from renewableenergyworld.com[4] European Commission, ACE (European Wind Energy Association). (2025, May 4). Q1 2025 Germany Renewable Energy Market Update. Retrieved from european-wind.org[5] Germany sees a rise in solar's share of electricity production. (2024, January 12).pv magazine International. Retrieved from pv-magazine.com
- The community's concern about the drop in renewable energy, specifically wind power, may lead to discussions regarding the country's energy policy and the need for measures to ensure sustainable energy production in the future.
- The shift in Germany's energy landscape, with traditional sources outpacing renewables, raises questions about the efficiency and feasibility of the country's environmental-science initiatives and the role they play in promoting a sustainable and eco-friendly industry.
- The financial implications of the change in energy production could be significant, as the increased reliance on conventional energy sources may impact the industry's investment in research and development of renewable technologies, such as solar power.
