New record values for climate protection in the electricity sector
In 2024, Germany will set new standards for CO₂ emissions per kilowatt hour of electricity generated. With an average of less than 300 grams of CO₂ per kWh, a value has been achieved that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. The main reason is the significantly increased share of renewable energies, especially wind and solar power, which now form the backbone of the electricity supply.
1. Renewables dominate electricity generation
According to data from Fraunhofer ISE, the share of renewable energy was around 62 percent. Photovoltaics and wind power in particular were able to significantly increase their contribution. The decline in fossil power generation – especially from coal-fired power plants – shows that the market is switching to green technologies. As a flexible supplement, gas power plants play an important role in stabilizing the networks.
According to Fraunhofer ISE it was “2024 was a turning point. The energy market shows: low-CO₂ technologies are not only feasible, but economically attractive.”
2. Influence on industry and society
The decreasing CO₂ footprint of the electricity mix is increasingly affecting production processes, supply chains and consumer behavior. Climate risks are reduced for companies, and consumers benefit in the long term through lower environmental impacts. Investors are also increasingly evaluating the origin of electricity and emissions intensity as central criteria for their decisions.
3. Systemic challenges remain
As encouraging as the results are, the expansion of networks and storage is lagging behind the pace of renewables. Without sufficient system integration, there is a risk of feed-in bottlenecks and supply uncertainties during peak loads. Therefore, measures such as smart grids, flexible tariffs and decentralized storage solutions are now in demand.
4. Market design must follow suit
CO₂-friendly production alone is not enough – the market mechanisms must also be further developed. The aim is an electricity market that provides incentives for flexibility, security of supply and innovation at the same time. New models such as dynamic network fees or CO₂-based price signals could accelerate the transition.
5. Climate neutrality needs a clear structure
To ensure that the energy transition does not stall, clear political guidelines are needed in addition to investments. This includes binding expansion paths, uniform rules for storage and grid connections, and funding programs that reward technological maturity instead of promoting deadweight effects.
6. More transparency and efficiency
In the future, it will be crucial to collect real-time CO₂ data, further develop provenance systems and equip market participants with the right tools. The climate goals can only be achieved in the long term with digital transparency, reliable planning and consistent implementation.
7. Conclusion: low-CO₂ electricity as a location advantage
Developments in 2024 show: low CO₂ emissions are feasible and are increasingly becoming a competitive advantage for Germany as a business location. Anyone who invests in climate-friendly electricity generation not only ensures security of supply, but also creates trust among partners, customers and investors.