Solar, wind could provide 3 times Germany's current power demand by 2040

Solar and wind power sources in Germany have the potential to provide three times the country's current power demand by 2040, according to a new study by Aurora Energy Research.

In its report Cost Potential Curves for Renewables: A Geospatial Analysis, the consultancy says that the actual build-out potential for renewables in Germany – considering geo-technical, economic and socio-political constraints but also assuming technological advancement – is enough to generate nearly 1,800 TWh early by 2040.

Aurora notes that the economic renewable potential in the country is limited to about 30%-40% available sites due to cannibalisation effects. For onshore wind, the importance of site quality will increase.

Government regulations and growing opposition are acting as an obstacle for wind capacity expansion. In order for the country to reach its target of bringing renewables' share in power consumption to 65% by 2030, the solar industry will need to add 9 GW-11 GW of capacity a year, the report says.

In addition, if the country wants to achieve its goal of being carbon neutral by 2050, offshore wind and solar expansion could help offset the onshore wind bottleneck, the report concludes.

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