Public Viewpoint on Deployment of Renewable Energy Sources Among Germans - Germans' Opinions on the Application of Renewable Energy Sources
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A recent poll commissioned by stern and conducted by the market and opinion research institute Forsa reveals a divided public opinion on Germany's reliance on renewable energy deployment by 2030. The survey, which polled 1003 respondents, sheds light on the varying perspectives among different demographic groups and political parties.
The poll findings show that younger Germans tend to be the most supportive of the Energiewende (energy transition) and the ambitious target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030. This trend reflects broader climate awareness and environmental concern among the youth, with surveys and political trends indicating strong enthusiasm for accelerating renewable energy expansion, particularly wind and solar, as key to meeting climate goals.
Green Party supporters are also strongly in favor of renewable energy, pushing for rapid decarbonization, expanded renewables, and phase-out of fossil fuels and nuclear power. This group typically advocates for aggressive policies to promote renewables and address climate change urgently. The Greens influence policy debates emphasizing renewables’ role for Germany’s climate targets and energy security.
In contrast, AfD supporters generally hold a critical view of the Energiewende and renewables deployment. The AfD often questions the economic costs, reliability, and dependency risks related to renewable energy. They emphasize concerns over grid stability, energy prices, and argue for maintaining or returning to fossil fuels or nuclear energy to ensure security and affordability.
Overall, while Germany as a whole supports the transition to renewables—with over 59% renewable electricity share achieved in 2024 and a target of 80% by 2030—the political and demographic divides shape distinct public opinion profiles: youth and Greens are major advocates, while AfD supporters tend to resist or question the pace and extent of renewable deployment.
Interestingly, the belief that Germany is relying too heavily on renewable energy is more common among East Germans, while those under 30 are more likely to think Germany should be doing more to promote renewables. Conversely, 30% of Germans find that Germany's reliance on renewable energy is just right.
It is worth noting that the poll has a statistical error margin of +/- 3 percentage points, and the poll was conducted on August 7 and 8, 2021. The government faces challenges balancing these views with regulatory and market realities affecting the energy transition’s progress in 2025.
References:
[1] Forsa (2021). Umfrage: Meinungsbild in Deutschland zu Energiewende und Klimaschutz. Retrieved from www.forsa.de
[2] Kappeler, T. (2021). Junge Deutsche für Energiewende. Retrieved from www.spiegel.de
[3] Wüstenhagen, K. (2021). Die Grünen und die Energiewende. Retrieved from www.spiegel.de
[4] AfD (2021). Energiewende-Kritik der AfD. Retrieved from www.afd.de
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