Analysis: Wind and solar power overtake fossil fuels in Germany for first time ever
In 2025, wind and solar power generation surpassed fossil fuels in Germany for the first time, accounting for 44% of the nation's electricity. This milestone aligns with Germany's Energiewende strategy to transition toward a climate-neutral power system by 2035.
Why it matters
This shift marks a significant turning point in Europe's largest economy as it attempts to balance decarbonization with the phase-out of nuclear and coal power.
More of Germany’s electricity came from wind and solar power than fossil fuels for the first time ever in 2025.
Together, wind and solar power generated 225 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity – accounting for 44% of the total in 2025 – with just 217TWh (43%) coming from fossil fuels.
Solar and onshore wind have grown rapidly under Germany’s “ Energiewende ” strategy over the past two decades, as the nation transitions away from both coal and nuclear power.
Renewables have recently faced mounting opposition from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and the current coalition government has been trying to develop new gas-power plants.
Nevertheless, Carbon Brief analysis of Energy Institute data – shown in the chart below – illustrates how wind and solar have continued growing, emerging as the nation’s largest power source.
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