New information brochure gives an overview on the use of renewable energiesin Germany ( note: available only in German )
New record for renewables in Germany: According to the latest surveys (as of March 2003) more energy from regenerative sources is used in Germany today than ever before. In 2002, the share of renewable energies in overall energy supply grew to about 2.9 %. Their share in gross electricity consumption now amounts to about 8 %. These figures come from a new information brochure published by the German Environment Ministry. You can also find current data on the progress in wind and hydro power, solar thermal energy and photovoltaics, geothermal energy and bio mass.
Not only the climate benefits from the boom in renewable energy sources which means an average of about 50 million tons of reduced greenhouse gases per year. The labour market also feels the boost through this growing industry: Today there are about 130,000 jobs in Germany that are directly or indirectly linked to the expansion of renewable energies.
The German government aims at doubling the share of renewable energy sources in the energy supply sector by 2010, compared to 2000 levels. The aim is to increase gross electricity consumption from 6.3 % in 2000 to 12.5 % and the share in primary energy consumption from 2.1 % in 2000 to 4.2 % in 2010. The German Government has launched an offensive in favour of renewable energy sources by setting this objective. The fast paced developments in recent years have shown that the ambitious 2010 target of doubling the share can be met. Furthermore, the Federal Government is striving to provide halfof the German consumption of primary energy from regenerative sources by the middle of the 21st century.