Renewables Generate 35% of Power in Germany

Germany raised the proportion of its power produced by renewable energy to 35% in the first half of 2017 from 33% in the previous year, according to the BEE renewable energy association.

Germany is aiming to phase out its nuclear power plants by 2022. Its renewable energy has been rising steadily over the last two decades, thanks in part to the Renewable Energy Act that was reformed this year to cut renewable energy costs for consumers, Reuters reported.

Germany has been getting up to 85% of its electricity from renewable sources on certain sunny, windy days this year.

The BEE reported on Sunday that the overall share of wind, hydro and solar power in the country's electricity mix climbed to a record 35% in the first half.

The government has pledged to move to a de-carbonized economy by the middle of the century and set a target of 80% renewables for gross power consumption by 2050.

It aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% in 2020 from the 1990 levels and 95% by 2050.