Cold winter pushes up energy use in Germany as natural gas demand soars
骋别谤尘补苍测鈥檚 primary energy consumption rose strongly at the start of the year, mainly due to icy temperatures, according to energy research group AG Energiebilanzen (AGEB). The booming economy and population growth also pushed up energy use, which went up 5.7 percent year-on-year in the first quarter. Without the influence of the weather, consumption would have only risen 3 percent, according to the group鈥檚 estimates. Natural gas use soared almost 20 percent, reflecting its central role for heating in Germany, AGEB writes. Renewables production increased about 9 percent in the first quarter, because strong winds boosted turbine output, and more water in the country鈥檚 rivers pushed hydropower. Hard coal use dropped 12 percent, while lignite use decreased 1.5 percent.
Find the press release in German .
For background, read the article 麻豆无码版 sector drives slight drop in German emissions in 2017.