Germany Achieves Record 64.1% Renewable Electricity Production in Q3 2025

Germany reached a new milestone in its energy sector in the third quarter of 2025, with renewable sources generating a record 64.1% of the country's electricity, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office. This marks the highest share of renewable energy ever reported for this period, underscoring the nation’s ongoing energy transformation efforts.

Wind and solar power were the primary contributors, supplying 26.8% and 24.1% respectively of the electricity produced. The expansion of wind turbines and solar installations played a key role in this increase. Total electricity production in the quarter amounted to 98.3 billion kilowatt-hours.

While renewables surged, fossil fuel generation decreased slightly to 35.9%. Notably, coal's contribution shrank significantly to 20.6%, down from 36.2% in the third quarter of 2022. Meanwhile, natural gas electricity generation rose by 8.1%, reaching 12% of the total, illustrating a shift within fossil fuel sources.

Germany is committed to phasing out coal by 2038. However, concerns about energy security have prompted plans to build new gas power plants to ensure reliable supply when renewable energy output fluctuates.

Federal Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche has advocated for a more cost-oriented approach to the energy transition. This includes measures expected to influence the pace and manner of renewable energy expansion.

Economist Reint Gropp highlighted challenges facing European industries like Germany’s due to CO2 taxes, which put them at a disadvantage compared to competitors such as China. He suggests tariffs on imports produced with polluting energy to create a fairer competitive environment.

This record renewable energy achievement coincides with an overall economic upturn, as Germany's industrial production increased by 1.8% in October, the highest since March 2025, led by the machinery and electronics sectors despite setbacks in the automotive industry.