Projection: Experts Expect Decline in Energy Consumption

According to calculations by the German Energy Balance Group (AGEB), Germany's total energy consumption is expected to decrease significantly in 2026. Forecasts predict a decline of nearly three percent compared to the previous year, driven by subdued economic activity and rising energy prices. Weather and other influencing factors are not expected to have a major impact on energy consumption.

The reduction in energy consumption will lead to a minor decrease in carbon dioxide emissions from energy-related sources, falling by just over four percent for the entire year. The use of mineral oil is projected to drop considerably in 2026, with a decline of more than 12 percent from January to September, driven by lower demand and higher prices.

This includes significant reductions in gasoline (4 percent), diesel (over 9 percent), jet fuel (3 percent), and light heating oil (over 38 percent). Meanwhile, consumption of natural gas increased slightly (0.8 percent), while coal consumption rose by over 8 percent in the power generation sector.

In the first nine months of 2026, renewable energy sources accounted for 22.5 percent of total energy consumption, up from 20.5 percent in the same period last year. Fossil fuels, including oil, natural gas, and coal, still provide the majority of energy, accounting for 75.5 percent. However, the share of renewables is expected to grow.