In the first six months of 2018, Germany has produced enough renewable energy to power each of the nation's households for a year.

Its combination of solar, biomass, hydroelectric and wind power output has reached an impressive new record high of 104 billion kWh (kilowatt hours), a 9.5 per cent increase on the same period in 2017.

Increase in Renewable Energy Output

This marks a year-on-year increase for the country, as Germany's green power output has grown by a third in three years.

Renewable energy accounted for over 35 per cent of the nation's electricity consumption in 2017. This compares to 29 per cent of renewably sourced electricity consumed in the UK. 

Germany has become increasingly reliant on renewable energy, with solar and wind power installations expanding under the nation's long-term plans for a low-carbon economy. 

The Use of Wind Power

Germany has also been focusing on exploiting the storms that affect the country and bring strong winds. The highest contributor was Cyclone Burglind, which pummelled Europe in January 2018. 

Powerful winds were accountable for most of the 1.1 billion kWh of energy generated, providing over 70 per cent of the country's energy consumption for the 3rd of January. This was the highest recorded input of renewables into Germany's energy grid.

Reduction in Nuclear Power Plants

By 2022, Germany aims to phase out all its nuclear power plants in favour of renewable energy. Green energy has risen steadily over the past two decades, partly due to the reforms to the Renewable Energy Act (EEG). This series of laws helped encourage renewable electricity generation and commenced in 2014, aiming to reduce bills for consumers.

However, despite the rise in renewable energy consumption, Germany still heavily relies on fossil fuels such as gas and coal.