Energy / Europe
Monitor Europe energy trends, electricity markets, supply pressure, regulation and regional resource dynamics.
56. Energy-Charts Talks 02.02.2026: Stromerzeugung im Januar 2026
Summary
Electricity generation in Germany for January 2026 shows a notable increase in production from brown coal power plants, attributed to changes in CO2 pricing and market expectations. However, the overall energy landscape is shifting, with a significant drop in hydropower supply marking a record low since 2015.
Renewable energy sources in January achieved a record of 3.6 terawatt-hours, which is 44% more than last year. Fossil energy also increased significantly, rising from 18.4 terawatt-hours to 22.3 terawatt-hours.
CO2 prices in Germany fluctuated from 92 euros per tonne to 85 euros within a few days due to an increase in available certificates. The price of natural gas decreased by 27 percent, while brown coal remains costly with higher emissions compared to hard coal.
Electricity exports from Germany are influenced by competitive pricing in neighboring countries, with an average price of around 110 euros per megawatt hour in January. The stability of brown coal production does not correlate directly with changes in CO2 prices, highlighting the complexity of the energy market dynamics.
Perspectives
short
Proponents of Brown Coal
- Claim profitability of brown coal power plants due to CO2 pricing changes
- Highlight increase in brown coal electricity production despite negative reports
- Argue that brown coal is currently cheaper than gas
Critics of Brown Coal
- Warn about the environmental implications of increased brown coal usage
- Question the sustainability of relying on brown coal for electricity generation
- Accuse reports of misleadingly attributing electricity supply increases solely to brown coal
Neutral / Shared
- Note fluctuations in CO2 prices affecting energy market dynamics
- Acknowledge the increase in renewable energy production alongside fossil fuels
Metrics
electricity_generation
more than 10% higher than a year
increase in electricity production from brown coal power plants
This indicates a significant shift in energy production dynamics.
the current from brown cooling power plants, is now more than 10% higher than a year.
electricity_generation
from 6.9 to 9.8 %
increase in electricity production from gas power plants
This marks a record jump in gas production levels.
From 6.9 to 9.8. The terabytes are at 41%.
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
Electricity generation in Germany for January 2026 shows a notable increase in production from brown coal power plants, attributed to changes in CO2 pricing and market expectations. However, the overall energy landscape is shifting, with a significant drop in hydropower supply marking a record low since 2015.
- The focus is on electricity generation in Germany for January 2026, particularly the role of brown coal power plants
- Recent articles suggest a resurgence of brown coal power plants, claiming profitability due to changes in CO2 pricing and market expectations
- Data indicates that electricity production from brown coal has increased, but the actual figures present a more complex picture than reported
- A significant rise in electricity generation from gas power plants is noted, with a record jump in production levels for January
- The analysis reveals that brown coal is now cheaper than gas, challenging previous assumptions about the competitiveness of these energy sources
- Electricity supply from hydropower has drastically decreased, marking a record low since 2015. This raises concerns about energy diversity
05:00–10:00
Renewable energy sources in January achieved a record of 3.6 terawatt-hours, which is 44% more than last year. Fossil energy also increased significantly, rising from 18.4 terawatt-hours to 22.3 terawatt-hours.
- Renewable energy sources achieved a record of 3.6 terawatt-hours, which is 44% more than last year. This increase follows a previous year that was also considered poor for renewable energy production
- Wind-onshore energy production remained stable, matching levels from previous years, including 2018 and 2019. January was a particularly favorable month for wind energy generation
- Solar energy production increased from 1.5 terawatt-hours to 1.67 terawatt-hours, representing an 8% rise. This growth contributes to the overall increase in renewable energy supply
- Total renewable energy supply rose from 22.2 terawatt-hours last January to 22.9 terawatt-hours this year, marking a 3% increase. Fossil energy also saw a significant rise, from 18.4 terawatt-hours to 22.3 terawatt-hours
- Electricity consumption increased by 4%, rising from 44.2 terawatt-hours to 46 terawatt-hours. This uptick in demand is a key factor behind the higher electricity supply observed this January
- Electricity trade shifted from a net import to a net export, with a notable increase of 1.5 terawatt-hours. This change reflects the overall increase in power generation, particularly from stone coal and natural gas
10:00–15:00
CO2 prices in Germany fluctuated from 92 euros per tonne to 85 euros within a few days due to an increase in available certificates. The price of natural gas decreased by 27 percent, while brown coal remains costly with higher emissions compared to hard coal.
- CO2 prices in Germany fluctuated significantly, starting at 92 euros per tonne on January 16 and dropping to 85 euros by January 20. This decline was due to an increase in available certificates, which impacted the market
- The price of natural gas decreased from 49.49 euros per megawatt-hour last January to 35.82 euros this year, marking a 27 percent reduction. This drop in price is expected to positively influence the overall energy market
- Brown coal costs approximately 8.30 euros per megawatt-hour, with emissions from brown coal power plants around 1,120 grams of CO2 per kilowatt-hour. In contrast, hard coal is cheaper and has lower emissions at 860 grams per kilowatt-hour
- The current costs of hard coal have fallen, making it a more attractive option for energy production. Colombia is a significant source of imported hard coal, contributing to its competitive pricing
- The relationship between CO2 prices and energy costs is complex, with multiple factors influencing the market. While CO2 prices have risen, they are not the sole reason for the increased prices of hard coal and natural gas
- The energy market is experiencing shifts due to changes in fuel prices and consumption patterns. The lower prices of natural gas and hard coal are expected to impact energy production strategies moving forward
15:00–20:00
Electricity exports from Germany are influenced by competitive pricing in neighboring countries, with an average price of around 110 euros per megawatt hour in January. The stability of brown coal production does not correlate directly with changes in CO2 prices, highlighting the complexity of the energy market dynamics.
- Steam coal from Colombia is currently more affordable than brown coal, which remains expensive despite its consistent output. This price difference impacts the overall energy market dynamics
- Electricity exports from Germany are influenced by the pricing of neighboring countries. Denmark, Sweden, and Norway have lower electricity prices, prompting Germany to import from these regions
- The average electricity price in January was around 110 euros per megawatt hour. This price is competitive compared to neighboring countries, with Belgium and France showing similar or lower rates
- Germanys electricity market is interconnected with its neighbors, affecting import and export decisions. The largest exports were directed towards Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic
- Claims regarding a resurgence of brown coal electricity due to CO2 price fluctuations are misleading. The stability of brown coal production does not correlate directly with changes in CO2 prices
- The analysis of the electricity market must consider fuel prices and the competitive landscape in neighboring countries. Understanding these factors is essential for accurate assessments of energy supply and demand