Energy consumption in Germany fell significantly in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, the Energy Balance Working Group (AGEB) reported on Tuesday.
According to preliminary calculations, primary energy consumption in Germany fell by 4.6% in the first quarter.
Energy statisticians attribute the decline to the weak economy, mild weather, high energy prices and the higher costs of CO2 emissions in the national emissions trading system.
During the first quarter of the year, natural gas was the main source of energy consumption in Germany, accounting for 31.8% of the total. It was followed by mineral oil at 30.5% and renewable energy at 21.2%. Coal accounted for 7.8% and lignite for 7.1%.
According to the AGEB, coal consumption fell by almost 21% in the first quarter of the year. Lignite consumption fell by approximately 19%.
Renewable energy generation increased by 2.9% compared to the same period last year.
“This development is due to an increase in electricity production from hydropower, photovoltaics and especially wind energy,” the report said.
Following Germany’s closure of its last three nuclear power plants in April 2023, nuclear energy no longer contributed to domestic energy supplies, the report explains.
In the first quarter, electricity exports exceeded imports, totaling 0.5 terawatt hours (compared to 9.5 terawatt hours the year before).
Statisticians also noted that the further decline in coal consumption is likely to have led to a 6.6% reduction in CO2 emissions, or 12 million tonnes.
