Germany could run on full renewables by 2045, study reveals

Fraunhofer analysis says solar, batteries, hydrogen storage and flexible demand can provide reliable low-carbon electricity

Germany could achieve a fully renewable, climate-neutral energy system by 2045 if solar power, battery storage, hydrogen and flexible electricity demand are expanded together, according to researchers.

A study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE found the country could maintain a reliable electricity supply throughout the year by combining renewable generation with large-scale energy storage, hydrogen reserves and more flexible electricity demand, even during prolonged periods of low wind and sunshine.

Researchers said those so-called “dark doldrums” account for only about one per cent of the year and could be covered by 100GW of dispatchable power generation supplied using seasonal hydrogen storage.

Dr Charlotte Senkspiel, one of the study’s lead authors, added: “Yes, we still need 100 gigawatts of dispatchable power generation for these periods, and seasonal hydrogen storage is the key to operating it.”

The findings were presented at the Renewables 24/7 special exhibit during The smarter E Europe 2026.

It comes as solar power and battery storage continue to expand faster than many earlier forecasts predicted.

The event’s organisers said the industry is already providing many of the technologies needed for a resilient, climate-neutral and cost-effective energy system, but wider deployment will depend on investment in electricity grids, storage and market reforms.

Jaran Rystad, founder and chief executive of Rystad Energy, said photovoltaic forecasts, including those produced by his own company, had repeatedly underestimated the pace of deployment.

SolarPower Europe said a record 664GW of new photovoltaic capacity was installed worldwide in 2025, taking global installed capacity above 3TW for the first time. Solar generated more electricity than wind globally during the year and became the largest driver of growth in power generation.

Europe also installed 36GWh of new battery storage in 2025, a 48 per cent increase on the previous year, taking total installed capacity above 100GWh for the first time. Annual installations are forecast to reach 138GWh by 2030.

Markus Elsässer, chief executive of Solar Promotion GmbH, said: “We are entering the battery age.”

READ MORE: A new energy era: full renewable energy supply is possible. Solar power, battery storage and digital energy technologies are converging into an integrated energy system that could deliver reliable renewable electricity around the clock, writes The smarter E Europe.

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