Germany’s 2025 Outlook: Higher Energy Use, Stable CO₂ Emissions

Germany’s energy consumption is expected to rise by about 1% in 2025, reaching 10,651 petajoules, according to new data from the Working Group on Energy Balances (AG Energiebilanzen). Despite the increase, energy-related CO₂ emissions will remain largely stable, growing by just 0.3% compared to the previous year. Experts attribute the modest rise in energy demand mainly to colder weather in early 2025, which boosted heating requirements. Adjusted for temperature effects, consumption would have actually declined by 0.3%, reflecting lower output from energy-intensive industries. Renewable sources saw mixed results: overall renewable energy supply grew by 2%, with solar power surging 19%, while wind generation dropped 11% and hydropower plunged 25%. In the heating sector, renewables increased by 8%, continuing their steady growth trend. Among fossil fuels, natural gas consumption rose 3.7% due to heating needs, although industrial demand fell later in the year. Hard coal and lignite use declined, but coal-fired power plants consumed around 20% more fuel for electricity generation. Meanwhile, petroleum demand grew 1.5%, driven by modest increases in gasoline and diesel consumption. Germany also improved its power trade balance. In the first nine months of 2025, the electricity import surplus shrank, with imports down 3.9% and exports up 6%, reflecting a more balanced and resilient energy system overall.