News Article
German Electricity Over 17 Percent Renewable
Germany continues to lead the way in renewables
Germany's homeowners choose renewable energy. The share of renewable electricity in German homes surpassed 17 percent in 2010 and solar installations doubled. This demand is drawing companies to Germany's renewable energy industry. Germany's solar market remains the largest in the world, with new systems in 2010 totaling over 7 GWp and amounting to approximately half of the world market. Germany also accounts for Europe's largest share of installed wind capacity at over 27 GW through 2010.
"With record demand every year in Germany and growing markets across Europe, it's not surprising that many of the world's biggest solar and wind players are located here," stated Tobias Homann, Senior Manager for Photovoltaics at Germany Trade & Invest in Berlin.
The growing supply of fluctuating energy is increasing demand for energy storage. Germany has broadened its framework for R&D and for the commercialization of energy storage technologies. The federal government expects renewable energies to account for 35 percent of Germany's electricity mix by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050, with further investments in energy storage a prerequisite.
"Germany has the right conditions for the rapid development of the energy storage and fuel cell industry. The combination of renewable energy generation, innovation and demonstration projects makes Germany an optimal location for companies looking to enter this budding industry," stated Raphael Goldstein, Senior Manager for Energy Storage and Fuel Cells at Germany Trade & Invest.
