Comparison of Electricity Generation Sources in Germany and France in 2009

The provided pie charts illustrate the breakdown of electricity generation in Germany and France during 2009, comparing total sources and the specific composition of renewable energy. Germany produced 560 billion kWh, while France generated 510 billion kWh.

In terms of total electricity generation, Germany was primarily dependent on conventional thermal sources, which accounted for 59.6% of its output, followed by nuclear power at 23.0% and renewables at 17.4%. Conversely, France exhibited a starkly different profile, with nuclear energy dominating at 76.0%. Conventional thermal and renewable sources played minor roles in France, contributing only 10.3% and 13.7% respectively.

Regarding renewable energy, the two countries utilised different primary sources. Germany’s renewable sector was relatively balanced, led by biomass at 39.3% and wind at 36.9%, with hydroelectric power making up 17.7% and solar 6.1%. In contrast, France’s renewable generation was overwhelmingly reliant on hydroelectric power, which comprised 80.5% of the total. Wind and biomass accounted for 10.5% and 8.1% respectively, while solar energy contributed a negligible 0.9%. Geothermal energy was non-existent in both nations in 2009.