Some 193 billion kilowatt hours will come from solar, wind, and other renewable sources for 2015, around a 20% increase on the previous year, according to the estimates from the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) and the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW).

The most significant increases have been in photovoltaic and wind energy: wind outlets produced 47% more power up to October 31 than in the same period last year, while photovoltaic sources had already beaten their total production for 2014 in the first ten months of 2015, despite only modest increases in installations.

Director of Energy, Environment and Resources at Germany Trade and Invest Thomas Grigoleit said: “Even if we don't hit 33%, the overall increase in Germany's renewable energy share is terrific news.

“Not only does it show how important this aspect is in terms of Germany's climate change targets, it confirms Germany's pioneering position in the industry. Germany is able not only to install this capacity but integrate it effectively into the grid.”