Germany Energiewende ("energy transition") is the most watched national energy transformation globally. It combines nuclear phase out, coal exit, and massive renewables buildout. This guide covers where the Energiewende actually stands and what has been achieved.
Scale of the transition
History of the Energiewende
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2000 | Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) feed in tariff |
| 2010 | Nuclear extension policy reversed |
| 2011 | Post Fukushima nuclear phase out accelerated |
| 2019 | Coal exit law targeting 2038 |
| 2022 | Russia gas cut forces LNG scramble |
| 2023 | Last three nuclear plants closed |
| 2024 | Renewable share exceeds 50 percent for first time |
Current generation mix
| Source | Share 2024 |
|---|---|
| Wind (onshore + offshore) | ~28% |
| Solar | ~14% |
| Biomass | ~8% |
| Hydro | ~4% |
| Coal (lignite + hard) | ~25% |
| Natural gas | ~15% |
| Other | ~6% |
Wind power
Germany has 70+ GW of installed wind capacity, majority onshore. Recent buildout has slowed due to permitting challenges. Offshore wind concentrated in North Sea and Baltic Sea. See our companion articles on wind power and offshore wind.
Solar deployment
Germany was historic solar leader through mid 2010s. Deployment slowed then accelerated again. Now approaching 90 GW installed. Growth from utility scale and rooftop.
Nuclear phase out
Last three reactors (Isar 2, Neckarwestheim 2, Emsland) closed April 2023. Total nuclear closure eliminated ~12 GW of low carbon dispatchable capacity. Politically contested but complete.
Coal exit
Coal exit law targets 2038 but 2030 possible if renewables can replace. Lignite mining and combustion phase out particularly contested in Rhineland and Lusatia regions. Just transition programmes support affected communities.
Grid transformation
Major transmission expansion (SuedLink, SuedOstLink HVDC lines) transporting northern wind to southern industrial load. Delayed and expensive but progressing. Distribution network reinforcement widespread.
Storage
Battery storage deployment growing. Pumped hydro (~7 GW existing). Hydrogen ambitions for long duration storage. See our companion article on energy storage ranked.
Green hydrogen strategy
Germany has ambitious national hydrogen strategy. Multi billion euro investment. Import partnerships with Australia, Chile, Middle East, and North Africa. See our companion article on green hydrogen.
Cost of the Energiewende
EEG surcharge on retail bills funded feed in tariffs historically. Bills among the highest in Europe. Recent reforms have moved costs to general taxation. Total investment through 2030 estimated at over EUR 500 billion.
Industry impact
Major utilities
- RWE (major renewables developer post coal transition).
- E.ON (grid and retail).
- EnBW (Baden Wuerttemberg, offshore wind).
- Uniper (nationalised 2022, transitioning).
- Vattenfall Germany (Swedish parent).
- Amprion, TenneT, 50Hertz, TransnetBW (transmission).
Contemporary challenges
- Slow permitting for wind buildout.
- Transmission line NIMBY opposition.
- Grid connection queues.
- Heavy industry electricity costs.
- Coal region just transition.
- Continued dependence on gas.
- Political headwinds after 2025 election.
Net zero target
Germany net zero target 2045 (five years ahead of EU). Sector specific milestones for buildings, transport, industry, and electricity. Implementation heavily dependent on Energiewende continuation.
EU context
Germany is largest EU electricity market. European grid integration means German renewable overgeneration flows to neighbours. Renewable deficits filled by imports. Cross border markets increasingly important.
Where the Energiewende is going
- Continued renewable buildout with permit reform.
- Coal exit target may accelerate to 2030.
- Green hydrogen scale up.
- Industrial decarbonisation via clean electricity and H2.
- Cross border electricity trade expanding.
- Transmission buildout continuing.
- EV adoption acceleration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Energiewende?
German energy transition combining renewables, nuclear exit, and coal exit.
What is the renewable share?
About 52 percent of electricity 2024.
Is Germany nuclear free?
Yes since April 2023.
When does coal end?
2038 legal target; 2030 possible.
Is it working?
Renewable share growing but 2022 gas crisis briefly reversed emissions.
What did Fukushima do?
Accelerated nuclear phase out decision.
Is Germany independent from Russia?
Largely yes on gas since 2022.
What about industry?
Major decarbonisation challenge underway.
Is grid transmission enough?
Buildout continuing but not complete. NIMBY opposition significant.
Where can I read more?
BMWK, Fraunhofer ISE, AGORA Energiewende.
Summary
Germany Energiewende combines nuclear phase out (complete 2023), coal exit (2038 target), and massive renewables buildout. Renewable electricity share exceeded 50 percent in 2024. Wind and solar dominate; hydrogen scale up planned. Grid transmission, industrial decarbonisation, and just transition remain challenges. Watched globally as the largest national transition attempt. Progress genuine but slower than initially planned.
Next reading
- Renewable energy complete guide
- Countries running on 90 percent renewable
- Global electricity mix
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