Germany has set a new record for solar energy production in July, even with frequent rainy days. According to Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck (Greens), around 10 terawatt-hours of solar power were generated during the month, the highest amount ever recorded for a single month. Habeck noted that despite lower sunlight levels compared to the previous year, the measures in place are effectively increasing solar power generation. “This shows that our initiatives are working and there is more and more solar power. The expansion is running at full speed,” he said.
Rapid growth in solar capacity
The expansion of solar installations has accelerated significantly. Last year, the addition of new solar capacity doubled compared to the previous year, reaching nearly 14 gigawatts, according to the Federal Network Agency. By the end of June, the total capacity of installed solar panels exceeded 90 gigawatts, surpassing the German government’s target of 88 gigawatts for 2024. The goal is to reach 215 gigawatts of installed capacity by 2030.
Solar power transmission network in Germany
Germany’s solar power transmission network is a crucial component of its ambitious energy transition plan, known as the Energiewende. The transmission grid, which spans around 35,000 kilometers, is undergoing significant expansion to accommodate the increasing share of renewable energy sources, including solar power.
New high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines are being constructed to efficiently transport electricity from the north, where much of the renewable energy is generated, to the south. The integration of over 1.7 million decentralized solar PV installations into the grid presents challenges in maintaining stability, prompting grid operators to balance the fluctuating power from renewables with more predictable conventional generation. One of the major projects is the SuedLink DC4 HVDC interconnection, which aims to enhance the transmission capacity between northern and southern Germany. This project, supported by companies like Hitachi Energy, is crucial for the country’s energy transition.
Additionally, in response to public protests against overland powerlines, new legislation prioritizes the use of underground cables, despite the higher costs associated with this technology. Germany continues to lead in renewable energy adoption, and these developments in the transmission network are essential for supporting its growing solar power capacity.
