German renewables to cover record 52% share in 2023 power demand: BDEW

The share of renewables in Germany's power mix is set to reach a record 52% in 2023 as demand fell significantly, while renewables output rose 6%, utility association BDEW said Dec. 18.

Gross electricity demand fell 4.2% on year to 517 TWh, according to preliminary BDEW data.

Renewables are set to generate a record 267 TWh led by onshore wind and solar, according to preliminary data by BDEW and ZSW with the annual share above 50% for the first time. Germany has a 2030 target of an 80% share of renewables.

Rising electricity generation from renewable sources and falling demand saw the share of coal and lignite fall to 26%, a record low for modern times, while natural gas slightly rebounded year-on-year to 16%, the full-year data based on a Dec. 11 estimate show.

The BDEW data pegs 2023 gas-fired generation around 81 TWh averaging around 9 GW.

Germany also imported record volumes of electricity in 2023, while exports fell, leading to an estimated net import position of around 9 TWh.

Capture prices for German solar and wind deflated throughout 2023 from all-time highs in 2022.

Onshore wind capture prices averaged Eur83.61/MWh for the first eleven months, according to Platts assessments for S&P Global Commodity Insights.

Meanwhile, volume-weighted monthly average prices for solar ranged from Eur58.22/MWh in July to Eur127.91/MWh in February, according to Platts Renewable Energy Price Explorer.

GERMAN RENEWABLE POWER GENERATION, DEMAND (TWh)

* share of generation

Source: BDEW, ZSW (preliminary for 2023)