Germany has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the country reaching a 70-year low in emissions last year. According to a study by the thinktank Agora Energiewende, Germany emitted 73 million fewer tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2023 compared to the previous year.

The reduction in emissions was largely attributed to a substantial decrease in coal power generation, accounting for a reduction of 46 million tonnes in CO2 emissions. Additionally, emissions from industry also saw a significant decline, primarily due to a decrease in production by energy-intensive companies.

One of the key contributing factors to the decrease in emissions was the increased generation of electricity from renewable sources, which accounted for over 50% of the total electricity generated in 2023 for the first time. Meanwhile, the share of coal in electricity generation dropped from 34% to 26%, as reported by the federal network agency.

Germany’s shift away from coal was highlighted, particularly following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which led to a reduction in gas supplies from Moscow. This event prompted Germany to significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

Simon Müller, the director of Agora, emphasized that the record in renewable energy generation aligns with Germany’s target to produce 80% of its electricity from wind and solar sources by 2030. However, despite the positive developments, the thinktank cautioned that most of the emissions cuts in 2023 may not be sustainable from an industrial or climate policy perspective.

Müller expressed concerns about the potential relocation of emissions abroad due to the crisis-related slump in production, which could weaken the German economy and have adverse implications for climate goals. The thinktank estimated that only 15% of the reduction in emissions in 2023 constituted permanent emissions savings.