Germany Breaks a Renewable Energy Record

This is seriously impressive. Just this week, Germany was powered by a record 78% clean energy. It's proof is that solar and wind can keep the lights on in a highly industrialized nation.

ACF is Australian Conservation Foundation

 

Germany’s experience shows that solar and wind can keep the lights on in a highly industrialized nation, said Osha Gray Davidson, author of Clean Break, a book about Germany’s transition to carbon-free energy.

UPDATE:This was posted on the blog from takepart in 2015. Let's find out how Germany's journey with renewables panned out in 2025. 

Germany’s Renewable Energy Journey: Lessons in Progress, Not Perfection

Germany’s commitment to clean energy continues to inspire, even when the numbers don’t always climb. In the first half of 2025, renewable sources provided 54% of the country’s electricity — a slight dip from 57% in 2024, largely due to weaker wind conditions and lower hydropower output. While some headlines mistakenly claimed a record-breaking 78%, the real story is more nuanced — and still worth celebrating.

As Osha Gray Davidson, author of Clean Break, reminds us:

“Germany’s experience shows that solar and wind can keep the lights on in a highly industrialized nation.”

That message remains powerful. Germany’s long-term energy transition — known as the Energiewende — proves that clean energy can scale, adapt, and endure even in the face of setbacks.

Germany’s Renewable Energy Timeline

• 1990: Renewables made up just 3.5% of Germany’s electricity mix, mostly from hydro.

• 2000: The Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) launched, sparking investment in wind and solar.

• 2010: Share reached 17%, with wind and biomass gaining traction.

• 2015: Renewables hit 30%, boosted by solar subsidies and offshore wind.

• 2020: Surpassed 45%, as coal use declined.

• 2023: Climbed to 56%, despite grid challenges.

• 2025: Reached 54%, with solar output rising but wind generation falling due to weather.

Why This Still Matters

Germany’s achievement isn’t just about numbers — it’s about resilience. Even with fluctuating conditions, the country continues to lead in clean energy innovation. The aluminium sector, one of the most energy-intensive industries, is increasingly powered by renewables. That’s a signal to the world: clean energy isn’t just for sunny days — it’s for serious economies.

As many countries consider their own energy future, Germany’s experience offers a blueprint for what’s possible when policy, public support, and innovation align.

Here’s a visual chart showing Germany’s renewable energy share from 1990 to 2025.
It illustrates the steady growth over time, with a slight dip in 2025
due to reduced wind and hydropower output — a realistic yet inspiring snapshot of long-term progress.

This chart shows the percentage of Germany’s total electricity use that was supplied by renewable sources like wind, solar, hydro, and biomass. For example, in 2025, 54% of all electricity consumed in Germany came from clean energy. This metric reflects how deeply renewables are integrated into everyday life — not just how much was produced, but how much was actually used.

Spotlight on Clean Break by Osha Gray Davidson

Davidson’s book chronicles Germany’s bold shift away from fossil fuels toward a renewable-powered future. Key themes include:

• Grassroots momentum: Citizens, farmers, and communities driving change.

• Policy innovation: EEG incentives that made clean energy viable.

• Cultural mindset: A “just-do-it” attitude that embraced bold action.

His message is clear: if Germany can do it, so can others.

You can find Clean Break at Amazon — currently just $2.72 for the Kindle version.