Study: Less Support for the Energy Transition - Germany's energy transition loses public support amid rising scepticism

Public support for Germany's energy transition is waning. A slim majority of 43% still back the move away from nuclear power and towards renewables, but scepticism is rising. Many now see the shift as risky rather than an opportunity for progress.

Germany's long-term plan to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy has faced growing criticism. Over the past year, the share of people strongly supporting the transition dropped sharply from 52% to just 33%. At the same time, the number of Germans deeply worried about climate change fell from 51% in 2019 to 33% in 2023.

The shift in opinion appears uneven across the country. Opposition is strongest in eastern Germany, among lower-income households, and supporters of the far-right AfD and the business-focused FDP. Meanwhile, two-thirds of the population expect the energy transition to reshape Germany's landscape with more wind turbines and power lines.

Multiple crises, from economic struggles to the war in Ukraine, have pushed climate concerns down the list of priorities. While no clear data shows a direct link between Russia's invasion and changing views on the Energiewende, the broader challenges have made people more cautious. Today, 37% associate the transition with risks, compared to 28% who see it as an opportunity.

The decline in confidence reflects broader uncertainties about Germany's energy future. Fewer people now view climate action as urgent, and support for renewable expansion has weakened. Yet, the government's plans to phase out coal and gas remain in place, despite growing public reservations.