Energy statistics working group AGEB said that the use of hard coal in German power plants rose by about 2% in the first 9 months of 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010. In general, hard coal consumption rose by 0.5%, with the steel sector seeing a 5% rise. Lignite use rose by 2.7%.

It added that however, total energy consumption in Germany will fall by 4% in 2011 as compared to 2010 largely due to mild weather. Energy consumption to the end of September accounted for 334.6 million tonnes of hard coal equivalent, 4.2% below last year's levels.

The group said that AGEB attributed the drop to lower energy use for heating due to mild weather. Natural gas consumption fell by 9.3%, largely due to warmer temperatures and a drop gas used in power plants. Nuclear power’s contribution to the energy balance fell by 21% over the period, with the contribution of nuclear energy to overall primary energy consumption dropping to 9%.

Renewable role in the energy mix increased, climbing 3.3% over the period, and accounting for 10.5% as a proportion of total energy consumption by the end of September. While wind power increased its contribution by 16.5%, hydropower (not including pump storage) fell by just under 9%. Solar power rose by 58% year on year, AGEB said, without providing further figures. In 2010, power generated by solar energy stood at 12 trillion watt hour.

(Sourced from Montel)