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First-quarter energy consumption in Germany shows a substantial jump

Germany's energy consumption surged notably during the initial three months of the year.

Operational coal power facility located in Gelsenkirchen
Operational coal power facility located in Gelsenkirchen

Germany experienced a notable surge in energy consumption during the initial three months of the year - First-quarter energy consumption in Germany shows a substantial jump

Rising Energy Consumption in Germany and Potential Impact on CO2 Emissions

Germany's total energy consumption experienced a significant increase of 5.3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 3,151 petajoules, equivalent to approximately 107.5 million tonnes of oil equivalent. The Working Group on Energy Balances attributes this surge to colder weather and the country's recovery from pandemic-induced economic lows.

Despite Germany exceeding national installation targets for solar photovoltaic (PV) in 2023 and 2024, increased energy demand has led to a higher utilization of coal and natural gas, both substantial contributors to CO2 emissions. While renewable energy sources account for more than half of the country's gross electricity generation, continued dependence on fossil fuels may exacerbate the impact of increased consumption on CO2 emissions, particularly during peak demand periods.

Notably, electricity imports increased by over 15% to 19 billion kilowatt-hours in the first quarter. The working group anticipates that the combined effects of changing energy sources and increased consumption will result in CO2 emissions seven percent higher than in the previous year.

Electricity prices in Germany have shown dramatic volatility. After reaching a two-year high in early 2025, they decreased in March and April yet remained above pre-pandemic levels. The continuing growth in renewable energy is encouraging, but the country's sensitivity to global fuel price changes remains a concern due to the fossil fuels still accounting for around 40% of the energy mix.

The Working Group on Energy Balances has yet to publish CO2 emission figures for early 2025. However, past patterns suggest that an increase in energy consumption, notably from fossil fuels in response to colder weather and heightened economic activity, may result in higher CO2 emissions.

  • Energy Consumption: 5.3% year-on-year increase (Q1 2025)
  • CO2 Emissions: 7% potential increase compared to the previous year (Q1 2025)
  • Working Group on Energy Balances: Ongoing analysis of energy consumption trends and CO2 emissions in Germany.

The ongoing analysis by the Working Group on Energy Balances may shed light on the potential impact of community policies on energy consumption and CO2 emissions, considering the increase in energy consumption by 5.3% year-on-year (Q1 2025), which could lead to a 7% rise in CO2 emissions compared to the previous year. As the recovery from pandemic-induced economic lows and colder weather have contributed to this surge, it would be crucial to review employment policies that focus on the development of the renewable energy industry, environmental science, and finance, with the goal of reducing the country's dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate-change. Furthermore, as the Working Group on Energy Balances continues to publish data, it will be essential to assess the role of the industry in addressing these challenges while ensuring a stable and affordable energy supply.

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