Germany recently hit a new milestone in their pursuit of alternative energy sources. The country managed to produce 35% of its energy from renewable resources the first half of 2017, which is up from 33% in 2016.
The news comes from the BEE renewable energy association, which also reports that Germany is looking to phase out nuclear power plants in the country by 2022. The country’s Renewable Energy Act has played a large role in increasing investment in renewable energy over the past two decades, and this year the act was reformed to reduce the costs of renewable energy for consumers.
This year Germany has been receiving up to 85% of its electricity from renewable resources on days when wind and/or sun conditions are favorable for wind and solar power installations. According to the BEE report, the country’s overall share of solar, wind, and hydro power broke the 35% threshold during only the first six months of this year.
The German government has recently committed themselves to a massive decarbonization effort for their economy, hoping to achieve 80% reliance on renewable resources by 2050. The country also hopes to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 40% in 2020 from 1990 levels, and down 95% by 2050.
