Did Europe overcome its energy price crisis thanks to renewables? | DW News

Is Europe's gas price crisis finally over? Wholesale natural gas costs for the continent have fallen to levels not seen since late 2021 - and several months before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. High gas prices have been a major driver of inflation across Europe. The knock-on effects of the war and sanctions against Moscow saw them hit record highs in 2022. But an unusually mild winter that's seen temperature records broken in many countries has meant lower demand than usual, allowing wholesale gas prices to tumble.

As it tried to make up for lost gas supplies from Russia, Germany used more renewable energy than ever before in 2022. However, it still failed to reach its CO2-reduction goal, according to the energy think tank Agora. Agora's report suggests the share of renewable energy in Germany's overall power supply mix has reached an all-time-high of 46 PERCENT last year. Favorable weather conditions for wind and solar power played a significant role. However, more than a slight increase in renewable energy production was needed to prevent Agora's other major finding - that Germany's CO2 emission reduction has stalled. It produced almost as much greenhouse gas last year as the previous year - partially because of the reactivation of coal plants to make-up for lost gas from Russia. So is Germany doing worse with its energy transition than it should be?

Follow DW on social media:

[thegreatdane]

I had a look at my gas consumption so far 2 days ago, we have used roughly 40% less gas compared to same time last year. The combination of mild weather, turning the thermostat down to 19c, and a wood stove as a secondary heat source has made a big difference 😀

[arrow]

I would think the unseasonably warm weather so far has a lot to do with it

[Thinkingaroundthebox]

About what I expected to happen
Short term problem as Europe diversifies its energy consumption
Long term Europe comes out ahead and is less dependent on Russian oil/gas

The only reason this became a problem in the first place was that Russian oil/gas wasn't the best answer to Europe's energy needs, it was just the easiest
Now, Europe is looking at better long term options for energy independence

[SamuelHauptmannvanDam]

The fact that there's a war in Europe, insane increases in cost, inflation and yet. It has only stalled while maintaining a stable political environment. That's incredible.

[jrangel]

Thank you Mr. Putin, the great unifier of europe.

[rootoftheproblem]

Even General winter told Putin to eff off.

[volkhen]

Germany’s coal burning is not only caused by lost gas from Russia but also phasing out clean nuclear power!

[cobbler]

The UK gets 41% of it’s electricity from wind.

[Paulapimentinha]

Statistics don't make any sense. 46% renewables?? If you count coal as renewable than yes. 46% makes sense.

[JamesSmith-ixjd]

The more industries you close, the less gas you need.

[chrisjones-rdit]

no it didnt - it over came it with LNG from the mid east and the USA. and people not using electricity - renewables didnt suddenly just show up and oh yeah - carbon is not a pollutant

[Livlifetaistdeth]

Gaslighting is different than lighting with gas.

[charsobishi]

Meanwhile UK: Your bills are going high again, just not as high as planned... So be grateful

[schnelma]

The gas storage levels are currently even filling up:
Dec 20, 2022 87.2% filled
Jan 3, 2023 90.7% filled
Yes, gas prices are high, but I'm not afraid that the gas storage tanks will run out this winter.

[macmcleod]

Next year, new renewable, storage, and district heating will reduce the need for fossil fuel further.

[dancotton]

Due to renewables ? In winter ? Don't think that coal is a part of renewable energy like it is used now on Germany or Poland.

[lylestavast]

You can always shave off some demand side by insulation upgrades, thermostats etc. Easier weather, helps. But in reality you can't control weather, so you have to overbuild by planning for worst cases which might arise. Doing that is more important than proclaiming what percent of generation came from renewables as it'll vary too much by year - gross production though should be moderately stable numbers. It's disturbing to know that government processes are slowing introduction of renewables into the power grids - same in the US but they're working on it in various sections of the grid - the largest renewables generation from wind is ERCOT (90% of Texas) - they've done quite a bit of work in that grid to speed up introduction - mostly of solar of late and that's providing some mid-day support for wind (which tends to drop during the day in the summer). You guys are smart in Europe, go make things happen !

[Randy]

Nobody else is this adaptable-period. Screw this extortionist and his puny gang. We cut ties with them not the other way round.

[lucid]

But the people still pay high price on their bills. For sure price for population will not go down . Explain that mate !

[Alxki]

Simon Müller for Agora Energewiende conveniently forgets the role of shutting down clean nuclear power plants in increasing coal consumption. Maybe he thinks if he doesn't talk about it people will forget.