Solar Surges Ahead While Onshore Wind Faces Challenges
Germany’s progress in renewable energy, particularly in solar power, is indeed real. In January 2024, Germany’s newly installed solar capacity reached 1.25 GW, surpassing the gigawatt mark once again. Bavaria led in new solar installations with 267.5 MW, followed by Baden-Wuerttemberg (196.2 MW), North Rhine-Westphalia (183.4 MW), and Lower Saxony (115.6 MW).
Only about 117.8 MW of the installations were subsidy-free, with 846.7 MW as rooftop installations and 276.4 MW as ground-mounted solar plants. The total gross solar capacity in Germany reached 83.4 GW by the end of January
On the other hand, the gross onshore wind capacity in Germany increased to 61.15 GW, with projects totalling 561.8 MW authorized in January
Germany is expected to lead the European solar power market in 2024, adding more capacity than any other country
The contrasting fortunes of solar and onshore wind installations highlight the complexities of Germany’s renewable energy transition, emphasizing the need for balanced growth across different renewable sources to ensure a sustainable energy future.
