Analysis: Wind and solar power overtake fossil fuels in Germany for first time ever

In 2025, for the first time ever, wind and solar power in Germany surpassed fossil fuels as the primary source of electricity, according to analysis by Carbon Brief. Together, wind and solar generated 225 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity, making up 44% of the total national output. Fossil fuel generation totaled 217 TWh, or 43%, marking a historic shift in the country's energy mix. This milestone reflects the ongoing success of Germany’s long-term renewable energy strategy, known as the Energiewende, which has driven rapid growth in solar and onshore wind capacity over the past two decades. The rise of renewables in Germany has been fueled by ambitious policy frameworks aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate neutrality. The nation has set a target of reaching an 80% renewable share in electricity consumption by 2030, with the ultimate goal of a fully decarbonized power system by 2035. These targets are aligned with broader European Union efforts, as the EU also recorded a similar shift in 2025, with wind and solar overtaking fossil fuels for the first time. Germany’s commitment to this transition is further underscored by its decision to phase out coal by 2038 and eliminate reliance on nuclear power, a move that has drawn both public and political controversy. Despite the progress, the energy transition has not come without challenges. Opposition from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has intensified in recent years, arguing against the rapid expansion of renewables. Meanwhile, the current coalition government has sought to balance the transition by promoting gas-powered plants as a temporary solution. New legislation passed in 2025 provides state support for gas-fired power stations, with plans to convert them to operate on green hydrogen by 2045. This approach reflects a pragmatic attempt to stabilize the grid while maintaining momentum toward decarbonization. Germany’s renewable expansion has been particularly pronounced in recent years. In 2025 alone, the country approved a record 20.8 gigawatts (GW) of new onshore wind capacity, bringing the total installed onshore wind capacity closer to the 115 GW target set for 2030. Solar power has also surged, especially during the exceptionally hot summer of 2026, when high temperatures boosted electricity demand and increased solar output. However, the pace of renewable deployment has raised concerns among policymakers and industry stakeholders alike. Recent grid reform proposals have sparked criticism from renewable energy advocates, who fear that changes to connection rules could slow the transition. Under the proposed reforms, developers would need to agree to reduced compensation for curtailed generation in areas with limited grid capacity in exchange for automatic grid access. Public sentiment around nuclear power has also played a role in shaping Germany’s energy landscape. While nuclear was once a cornerstone of the country’s energy security, it has long faced strong public resistance. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, representing the center-right CDU/CSU bloc, recently acknowledged the nuclear phaseout as a “strategic mistake,” though he has ruled out a return to conventional nuclear power. The government continues to prioritize the complete elimination of coal, with an official phaseout date of 2038. Experts suggest that Germany may reach this goal several years ahead of schedule, despite some calls to delay the transition amid the recent energy crisis. As Germany moves forward, the challenge lies in ensuring that the rapid expansion of renewables does not stall. With the government planning to release a review of coal phaseout timelines in August, the debate over the pace and direction of the energy transition shows no signs of abating. For now, however, the data remains clear: wind and solar power have firmly established themselves as the dominant forces in Germany’s electricity sector, setting a precedent for the rest of Europe and beyond.