German renewable energy sector shows impressive growth

[jpak]

http://www.greenprices.com/eu/newsletter/GPBE_37_070124/Germany.asp

In Germany, the share of renewable energy in total energy consumed reached 7.7% in 2006 compared to 6.8% in 2005, according to a report published by the German federal renewable energy association, Bundesverband Erneuerbare Energie (BEE). Renewable electricity generation in Germany grew to 71.5 billion kWh in 2006, which represents 11.6% of total German electricity consumption and an increase of 12% compared to the previous year. This 2006 figure is only just below the German renewable electricity target for 2010 of 12%. The main renewable sources for electricity in 2006 were wind and biogas, followed by solar power.

German wind power in terms of installed capacity grew by 23.5% in 2006 and total installed capacity exceeded 20,000 MW, according to the German wind energy institute (DEWI). In 2006, 1,208 wind turbines were built in Germany. Total installed wind capacity amounts to 20,621 MW and accounts for 30.6 GWh (7 per cent) of German electricity consumption. Around €2.9 billion was invested in new wind parks in 2006.

The share of biofuels in the German transport fuel market jumped by 50% between 2006 and 2005. The share of biofuels in German fuel consumption grew to 5.4% from 3.6% in 2005, again already approaching the European target of a 5.75% share by 2010.

Renewable heat production rose by 10% in Germany in 2006. The contribution of renewable energy sources to heat production increased to 98 billion kWh, from 89 billion kWh in 2005.

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[kestrel91316]

1. I don't know why they are bothering to develop ANY renewables......

since it's common knowledge that they can't solve 100% of their energy problems by doing so.

:sarcasm:

Silly Germans. They need to put all their eggs in one basket just like we have with fossil fuels.