Amid russia's energy standoff over gas, which challenges Europe with the invasion of Ukraine, Germany recorded data in the first half of 2022 showing that half of the energy consumed in the country comes from renewable sources, according to the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) and the ZSW foundation,  connected to the solar and hydrogen energy sector.

The share of renewable energy generation rose six percentage points compared to the first half of 2021, reaching 49%, taking advantage of favorable wind and sun conditions. Wind power is the main German power in the field of green energy.

By 2020, the share of renewable energy in consumption was even higher, supplying 50.2 percent of Germany's electricity demand, Reuters reported.

"The reduction in gas flows from Russia has put Germany's energy supply in an exceptional situation. The safest way to avoid such a situation in the future is a rapid construction of renewable energy installations," says Kerstin Andreae, head of BDEW, adding that the lack of areas for building wind farms is one of the biggest obstacles to the expansion of renewable energy in the country, according to the specialized portal Clean Energy Wire.

Total German energy production in the first half rose 1.7% in one year to 298 billion kWh. Renewable energy generation increased by 13.5%, producing 139 billion kWh. The country was able to export 17 billion kWh, according to the reports released.

Germany's green energy production includes wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, waste processing and hydroelectric matrices.

China's dominance over the market for parts that allow the production of electricity from renewable sources was a theme highlighted by the ZSW Foundation. The Chinese produce no less than 96% of the world's photovoltaic blades today. "This dependence on Chinese producers is a significant risk to implement ambitious expansion targets for climate action and energy security."

Conventional electricity production from nuclear fuel, coal and gas in Germany produced 159 billion kWh in the first half, 6.7% less than in the same period in 2021.

Germany last year reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 39% compared to 1990, and aims to achieve a 65% reduction by 2030.

Source: Um só Planeta