According to preliminary calculations, renewable energy sources covered 58 percent of electricity consumption in Germany in the first half of the year. "An increase of nearly three percentage points compared to the same period last year and a new record figure," the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) announced on Wednesday.
In total, renewable energy installations generated 152.2 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, with offshore wind farms in particular producing significantly more than in the same period last year.
The BDEW compiles the data regularly in collaboration with the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW). Offshore wind installations recorded an increase of 28.3 percent. Onshore wind farms also generated noticeably more electricity, up 7.0 percent.
Solar photovoltaic generation came in 3.7 percent above the figure for the first half of 2025. Hydropower generation, which plays a smaller role in the overall mix, fell by 7.7 percent due to low rainfall. Biomass output remained largely unchanged.
The rollout of renewable energy capacity continued to advance. The strongest increase came from photovoltaic installations, which added 8.3 gigawatts. Onshore wind added 2.5 gigawatts of new capacity, while offshore wind contributed an additional 0.9 gigawatts. All expansion rates exceeded the figures recorded in the first half of 2025.
"These positive figures are only possible because of the massive investments made by the energy industry," said BDEW chief executive Kerstin Andreae. "For this positive momentum to continue, we now need to pick up the pace on the relevant legislative initiatives, specifically the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) and the Offshore Wind Energy Act.
Both pieces of legislation must be passed and approved by the EU before the end of this year." She noted, however, that not even draft bills had yet been put forward.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
