BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The share of renewable energies from wind and sun in electricity consumption in Germany has continued to rise. It was around 52 percent in the first half of the year. This is three percentage points more than in the first half of 2022, according to preliminary calculations by the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) and the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW).

In May in particular, the share of renewable energies in electricity consumption was unusually high at 57 percent due to the sunny weather, they said. Photovoltaic systems had generated more electricity in this month than ever before. This record was surpassed again in June.

About 42 percent of the electricity generated by renewables came from onshore wind turbines, just over a quarter from solar plants, plus biomass, offshore wind and hydropower.

The expansion of renewable energies from wind and solar power plays a key role in the German government's strategy for achieving Germany's climate protection targets and becoming less dependent on fossil fuels such as coal and gas. Extensive measures have been adopted to accelerate expansion. According to the German government's plans, 80 percent of electricity is to come from renewable energies in 2030. Electricity demand is expected to increase enormously, due to millions of electric cars and heat pumps.

Frithjof Staiß, executive director of the ZSW, said that to achieve climate neutrality by 2045, electricity generation would have to be based entirely on renewables as early as 2035. Further expansion would have to take place much faster than in the past, he added. BDEW Chief Executive Kerstin Andreae pointed to the problem of the shortage of skilled workers. "Already today, many companies have problems finding qualified personnel. In the coming years, the situation could worsen drastically. We therefore need to inspire more young people, especially women, to take up careers in the energy industry." This also requires support from politics./hoe/DP/zb