Renewable energy sources, mainly wind and solar, accounted for nearly 57 per cent of Germany's electricity consumption in the first three quarters of the year, the same level as a year earlier, according to industry data released.

 

Preliminary calculations by the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wurttemberg and the German Association of Energy and Water Industries showed that solar power generation rose by almost a quarter, while output from onshore wind farms fell by 12 per cent due to weak wind conditions in the first quarter, reported WAM.

 

Gross electricity production rose by 0.9 per cent year-on-year.

 

Lignite and hard coal made up just over 20 per cent of the power mix, while gas-fired plants contributed around 16 percent.

 

Economy and Energy Minister Katherina Reiche said she aims to adjust Germany's energy transition strategy, projecting slower growth in electricity demand in the coming years.

 

This could affect the expansion of renewables and the power grid.

 

She noted that, to cut costs, the government is considering scrapping subsidies for small rooftop solar systems.

 

Reiche reaffirmed the government's target of raising the share of renewable power to 80 per cent by 2030.