Germany Faces Energy Crisis During 'Dunkelflaute' as Power Prices Surge

Low renewable energy output, high electricity costs, and reliance on imports highlight challenges in Germany's energy transition.

Germany's electricity generation fell short by up to 30% during the 'Dunkelflaute,' a period of low wind and solar energy output, necessitating significant power imports.
Electricity prices spiked to 936 euros per megawatt-hour, ten times the usual rate, severely impacting businesses with variable energy contracts.
Critics allege some fossil fuel power plants operated below capacity to inflate prices, prompting an investigation by the Federal Network Agency.
Neighboring countries like Sweden and Norway expressed frustration over increased electricity exports to Germany, which they say raised their domestic energy costs.
Germany's energy mix during this period was heavily reliant on fossil fuels, resulting in a CO2 output of 500 grams per kilowatt-hour, among the highest in Europe.