Germany expects fast growth of renewable energy

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BERLIN

Germany is expecting to get 20 percent of its total energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020 -- which would double its current share within 10 years.

Environment Minister Norbert Roettgen said Wednesday the use of clean technologies such as wind, solar or biomass will likely grow faster than expected and surpass the official 18-percent-goal set for 2020.

Currently, 10 percent of Germany's energy comes from renewable sources.

Roettgen said the government projects that 38.6 percent of the electricity will come from renewable sources in 2020, 15.5 percent of all heating and cooling, and 13.2 percent of the energy needed for transportation.