Germany at a crossroads: accelerate wind and solar or risk climate setback

Germany’s energy industry and Green Party lawmakers are calling on the government to maintain urgency in expanding solar and wind power, warning that hesitation could derail climate goals. The debate comes ahead of the economy ministry’s highly anticipated monitoring report, dubbed a “reality check,” which will assess the costs and feasibility of the country’s energy transition.

Industry association BDEW reported record growth of 20 GW in renewable capacity last year—17 GW solar PV and 3.3 GW onshore wind.

But chairwoman Kerstin Andreae cautioned that annual additions must reach at least 19 GW solar and 12 GW wind to stay on track for 2030 targets, requiring closer coordination with grid and storage expansion.

The Greens, in a position paper, urged a “turbocharged” transition. Their proposals include keeping incentives for rooftop PV, installing solar on all schools, child-care and elderly facilities, and accelerating smart meter deployment and energy-system digitalisation.

While the economy ministry says the review is necessary to balance costs and infrastructure rollout, critics warn it risks weakening climate ambition, slowing renewables investment, and prolonging reliance on fossil fuels.