The electricity supply in Germany is becoming increasingly efficient and climate-friendly. This is confirmed by a recent short study by the International Institute for Sustainability Analysis and Strategies (IINAS) on behalf of the German Association for Efficient Energy Use (HEA). The study analyzes the non-renewable cumulative energy consumption (_KEVNE) and the greenhouse gas emissions of the German electricity mix in 2024 and provides a concrete outlook for 2030 and 2050.

Key results 2024: Electricity in Germany has never been so clean
In 2024, greenhouse gas emissions from local electricity supply in Germany averaged 343 grams of CO₂ equivalent per kilowatt hour. If only pure CO₂ is considered, the value was 328 grams per kilowatt hour. Non-renewable cumulative energy consumption (_KEVNE) also reached a new low of 0.92 kilowatt hours of primary energy per kilowatt hour of electricity. In comparison: in 2023, greenhouse gas emissions were 381 grams of CO₂ equivalents per KWh, while the _KEVNE was 1.02 KWh. This means that for the first time, less fossil primary energy was used in 2024 than was available in terms of electrical energy.

Outlook: Development up to 2030 and 2050
The study takes a look into the future. For the year 2030, it forecasts a _KEVNE of just 0.47 kWh and average greenhouse gas emissions of 113 g CO₂ equivalents per kilowatt hour. In 2050, only 0.11 kWh and 31 g CO₂ equivalents per KWh are expected. However, these figures assume that the share of renewable energies is significantly expanded as planned, particularly with regard to the target of at least 80% electricity from renewable energies by 2030.

What’s behind the trend?
According to the study, the positive developments in 2024 are the result of several factors:

• Significant decline in coal-fired power generation (lignite and hard coal)
• Abolition of nuclear energy
• Sharp rise in generation from photovoltaics and wind power
• Falling electricity consumption, particularly due to economic effects and weather conditions

Summary
The latest IINAS study clearly shows that the German electricity mix is becoming more climate-friendly and efficient year by year. The figures for 2024 show what is possible in terms of technology and regulation. At the same time, it is clear that the targets for 2030 and 2050 are ambitious. To achieve this, the expansion of renewable energies, the reduction of fossil fuel generation and the increase in efficiency must be consistently pursued.