Renewable Energy

The term “renewable energies” encompasses a diverse set of entirely different, environmental friendly and sustainable energy resources. It includes the "classic" renewables such as solid biomass (e.g. firewood) and hydropower as well as the "modern" renewables wind power, solar energy, geothermal energy, tidal current energy harvesting, as well as various forms of biogenic resources. The potential applications are no less diverse and include electric power generation, heating and cooling, as well as fuels for the traffic and transport sector. However, the majority of renewable energy resources are utilized to generate electricity.

In 2022, renewables accounted for 83% of global capacity expansion for electricity generation. Worldwide, more than 295 GW have been installed, which represents a new record in the annual growth of renewables. China, once again, dominated global capacity additions with a share of 48% amounting to 141 GW newly installed renewable energy capacity. It is by far the world leader, with around a third of worldwide installed renewable energy capacity (1,160 GW).

The largest consumers of renewables for electricity generation in 2022 Source: BGR, BP

The share of renewables in global electricity generation rose to 30% in 2022. The share of renewables in total global energy consumption also increased slightly to 19% in 2022 (2021: 12.6%).

Although 139 countries have pledged to emit no more greenhouse gases by 2050 ("net zero"), many countries are once again increasing their consumption of fossil fuels in 2022. At the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris at the end of 2015, the international community adopted a climate agreement that is binding under international law and aims to limit global warming to well below 2 °C (preferably 1.5 °C maximum). Currently, 194 countries have ratified the agreement.

Germany has committed to this goal and has further tightened its targets with the 2022 amendment to the “Renewable Energy Act” (EEG, "Easter package"). By 2030, 80% and from 2035 100% of gross electricity is to be generated by renewable energies. Currently, in Germany, just under 60% (2023) of electricity is generated from renewables (2022: 46%). Primary energy consumption is covered for 20% by renewables (2022). Wind and solar energy as well as biomass are the most important renewable energy sources for power generation. While renewables already have a significant share in electric power generation, other sectors are still lacking proper advancements towards renewables. e.g. the heating sector. Here, the share of renewables is 17% (see also geothermal energy).

Due to the expansion of renewables, an increasing demand for electricity storage and balancing energy is foreseeable. The existing electricity storage facilities are primarily pumped storage facilities (9.7 GW capacity in 2022). However, their further expansion is limited and other energy storage options explored.