Germany Faces Energy Strain During Winter 'Dunkelflaute'

Low renewable energy output and rising demand have raised concerns about potential brownouts, though experts say blackouts remain highly unlikely.

Recent 'Dunkelflaute' periods in Germany saw minimal energy generation from wind and solar, leading to increased reliance on imported electricity.
Electricity prices surged, with peak costs reaching 936 euros per megawatt-hour, as demand outpaced domestic supply during cold, high-demand days.
Controlled brownouts, temporary and localized power shutdowns, are a theoretical possibility but have never occurred in Germany's history.
Critics allege some fossil fuel plants operated below capacity, potentially exacerbating the energy shortfall; the Federal Network Agency is investigating these claims.
Germany's energy mix during these periods produced higher CO2 emissions, as coal and gas plants dominated electricity generation.