The Monitoring Report 2024, released by the Bundeskartellamt and Bundesnetzagentur, focuses on the developments in the German electricity and gas markets, primarily analyzing data from 2023 while also considering relevant trends in 2024.

In 2023, Germany achieved a milestone where over half of its electricity was generated from renewable sources, marking a significant step towards a climate-neutral energy supply. Klaus Müller, President of the Bundesnetzagentur, emphasized the need to maintain momentum in expanding renewable energy, electricity grids, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Despite the growth in renewables, conventional generation capacity remains crucial for ensuring a stable electricity supply, especially during periods of low renewable generation. Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt, noted that the closure of power plants has heightened the importance of remaining conventional capacity, which could lead to increased market power for capacity providers.

Electricity generation in Germany decreased in 2023 due to various factors, including a slowing economy, mild weather, and high primary energy prices. However, this decline was offset by a rise in renewable energy generation. The report indicates that while the market share of the largest conventional electricity producers decreased, RWE still holds a dominant position, necessitating close scrutiny of its market power and compliance with competition law.

The report also highlights the gas market, where around 91% of imports came from Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Despite shifts in the market, concentration remains high, particularly among storage facility operators. The three largest operators control about 70% of the market.

In 2023, electricity and gas prices fell significantly compared to the previous year, although they remain volatile. The average electricity price for households decreased by about 8%, while gas prices dropped by over 15%. The report notes a record number of customers switching suppliers, indicating increased consumer engagement in the energy market.

Overall, the report underscores the importance of monitoring market power and ensuring compliance with competition laws to foster a competitive and fair energy market in Germany.