Solar boosts German renewable energy in 2012

BERLIN (AP) - German utilities say this year's share of renewable energies in the country's electricity production is forecast to rise some 15 percent on the year, largely on the back of a continuing solar-power boom.

Utilities' industry association BDEW said Tuesday the share of wind, solar and biomass power is expected to rise from 20 percent in 2011 to 23 percent this year.

Strong growth in new solar power installations — helped by subsidies — is expected to lead to a solar output surge of 47 percent to 28.5 billion kilowatt hours in 2011.

Germany decided last year to phase out nuclear power by 2022 and replace it with renewable energies. They're expected to produce 40 percent of the country's energy by then, and 80 percent by 2050.