According to a new study by the Bundesnetzagentur, released on September 4, 2025, Germany is able to ensure a reliable electricity supply by 2035. This will be done through introducing a lot more controllable capacity to the grid. The agency outlines two scenarios that illustrate the potential for maintaining this security: one scenario suggests an increase of up to 22.4 gigawatts (GW), while another proposes an even more ambitious target of 35.5 GW.
Each of those scenarios walks a fine line on the legal and political cliffs to success. They are dependent on how quickly the energy transition occurs. The report highlights how a “delayed energy transition” could significantly impact the rollout of renewable energy and the flexibility of electricity demand.
Scenarios for Future Capacity
Bundesnetzagentur simply stresses that Germany’s anticipated future demand for electricity can be accommodated on all trajectories. In the former case, we’ve seen the country does a good job of checking all the legal and political boxes. In doing so, it can advance with 22.4 GW more controllable capacity. In a more optimistic, but still realistic, scenario, the potential increases to 35.5 GW. This upsurge provides unprecedented possibilities to shape energy flexibility and resilience.
The “delayed energy transition” scenario sees growing impacts from severe weather and political shifts. It’s a reflection of the impact of a slower rollout of available renewable energy infrastructure and a less adaptive consumer electricity demand. This troubling situation serves as a reminder to policymakers that they must act quickly and decisively. They need to make sure that in the process, Germany meets its energy targets and objectives.
Recent Tender for Solar Projects
To support the achievement of these capacity objectives, the Bundesnetzagentur recently held a tender. This solicitation focuses on the deployment of ground-mounted solar arrays as well as solar systems on structures other than conventional buildings. The agency intended to fund projects totaling 2,266 megawatts (MW), but got bids that greatly exceeded this amount.
The agency then chose 258 ground-mounted solar projects from a competitive tender process. Valued at $192 million, these projects will significantly reshape and improve Germany’s energy landscape.
“The additional necessary capacity should be provided via a capacity mechanism. It is also important for more and more electricity consumers to respond flexibly to electricity prices.” – Source not explicitly mentioned.
Importance of Strategic Planning
Klaus Müller, the head of Bundesnetzagentur, echoed that effective strategic planning is critical to maintaining a reliable electricity supply.
“The electricity supply will remain secure in future if additional controllable capacity is built. Our monitoring underlines the significance of the Power Station Strategy planned by the federal government.” – Klaus Müller.
The report highlights that ensuring a reliable electricity supply is not only possible, but necessary for a successful German energy transition. The findings provided by this analysis are invaluable to all those who shape energy policy, develop and invest in energy infrastructure, and advance energy sustainability initiatives.