According to preliminary data from the German Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB), total energy consumption in Germany is likely to fall to a new low in 2024. AGEB notably expects consumption to fall by 1.3% compared to 2023, to reach a level nearly 30% below Germany’s 1990 consumption.
According to AGEB, crude oil consumption is expected to decline by 0.8% in 2024. Gasoline consumption increased by 2.6%, while diesel consumption fell by 4.4%. Natural gas consumption is expected to increase by 3% in 2024 (+1% in electricity generation), while hard coal consumption should fall by more than 12%, and lignite by nearly 11%.
According to AGEB, the contribution of renewable energies in consumption increased by 1.6% in 2024, due in particular to an increase in electricity production from hydropower and solar, while wind power generation remained similar to the previous year. Overall, the contribution of renewable energies in electricity generation increased by 4%.
Germany was once again a net importer of electricity in 2024. Exports should fall by 9%, while imports should increase by 15% compared to 2023.
AGEB said that in 2024, crude oil and natural gas continued to dominate Germany’s total consumption, with about 37% and 26% respectively. They are followed by hard coal and lignite, each representing about 7% of domestic consumption.
Finally, AGEB expects energy-related CO₂ emissions to decline by 3% in 2024.