Solar Shutdown: Merz Proposes Billions of Gas Discharge - Reverse Plan
In the heart of Europe, Germany is making significant strides in its energy transition, a mission to phase out fossil energy sources and transition to renewable energy. Over the past decade, the share of renewable energy in electricity production has nearly doubled, reaching an impressive 54.4%. Environmentally friendly wind and solar energy are gaining importance, accounting for 43% of the renewable energy production, with wind power contributing 27% and solar energy 16% [1].
However, the energy transition in Germany is not without its challenges. In 2025, prolonged low wind speeds and adverse weather conditions led to a significant drop in wind power and hydropower output, causing a surge in natural gas consumption and coal-fired power generation [2][4]. As a result, fossil fuels still account for nearly 37% of electricity production, with coal and gas supplying roughly 24% and 13% respectively [1].
The phasing out of nuclear energy in April 2023 further complicated the situation, as historically, it had contributed to baseload power. To compensate for the renewable energy shortfalls and the increased gas demand for heating and electricity amid colder weather in 2025, Chancellor Merz announced a billion-dollar gas relief package [4]. This relief is intended to ease the gas price burden on consumers and industries during this transition period, recognising that despite Germany’s green energy progress, gas remains critical for energy security and heating.
Biomass remains the most important renewable energy source in Germany, accounting for about 47% of energy production. The heating sector's share of renewable energy is 18.1%, while the transport sector contributes 7.2% [1]. The Renewable Energy Statistics Working Group (AGEE-Stat) provided the figures for Germany's renewable energy consumption.
The energy transition in Germany is a significant focus, with an emphasis on reducing CO2 emissions. Germany has been striving for years to reduce its CO2 footprint, and the energy transition is crucial for the country to meet its climate goals. However, Merz's plan for a gas relief is causing controversy due to its potential impact on the country's energy transition.
| Aspect | Details (2024/2025) | |--------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Green energy share | ~61% of electricity from renewables (wind ~28%, solar ~16%, others ~17%) | | Fossil fuel share | ~37% total (coal ~24%, gas ~13%) | | Renewable challenges | Wind and hydropower output down significantly due to weak wind and weather | | Fossil fuel use | Gas consumption and coal-fired power increased to offset renewable shortfalls | | Nuclear power | Phased out as of April 2023 | | Gas relief by Chancellor Merz | Billion-dollar support to mitigate high gas prices amid increased gas demand |
This data reflects Germany’s ongoing energy transition dynamic—a strong commitment to renewables, but persistent fossil fuel dependency due to intermittency and market conditions, necessitating government intervention to stabilise energy costs [1][2][4][5]. The Federal Republic is increasingly phasing out fossil energy sources, but the road to a fully renewable energy future is fraught with challenges. The debate surrounding Merz's gas relief package is just one example of the complexities involved in this critical transition.
References:
[1] Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (2025). Key figures on the energy transition. Retrieved from https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/DE/Themen/Energiewende/Statistiken/statistiken.html
[2] German Wind Energy Association (2025). Wind energy production in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.bsw-solar.de/de/news/aktuelles/windenergie-in-deutschland/
[3] German Solar Industry Association (2025). Solar energy production in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.solarwirtschaft.de/news/solar-energie-in-deutschland/
[4] Agence France-Presse (2025). Germany announces gas relief package amid energy crisis. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/germany-announces-billion-dollar-gas-relief-package-amid-energy-crisis-2025-02-01/
[5] Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (2023). Nuclear phase-out in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/DE/Themen/Atomausstieg/atomausstieg.html
- Germany's energy transition, consisting of a significant move away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy, is a critical focus, particularly in reducing CO2 emissions.
- In 2024 and 2025, approximately 61% of Germany's electricity came from renewable sources, with wind and solar energy accounting for around 43% combined.
- However, due to intermittency and market conditions, fossil fuels still made up approximately 37% of Germany's total electricity production, with coal and gas providing around 24% and 13%, respectively.
- In 2025, prolonged periods of low wind speeds and adverse weather conditions resulted in a significant decline in wind power and hydropower output, triggering a surge in natural gas consumption and coal-fired power generation.
- The ongoing energy transition in Germany presents numerous challenges, as demonstrated by the debate surrounding Chancellor Merz's gas relief package, a billion-dollar initiative designed to mitigate high gas prices during this transition period and acknowledge the importance of gas for energy security and heating, despite the country's progress in green energy.
