Europe’s biggest economy emitted 673 million tonnes of greenhouse gases last year, 73 million tonnes fewer than in 2022, according to the energy think tank Agora Energiewende.

The figure was at its lowest point “since the 1950s”, Agora said in a statement, while warning that Germany had work to do to further reduce its emissions.

The drop was “largely attributable to a strong decrease in coal power generation”, Agora said.

Germany had resorted to coal in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when Moscow cut off gas supplies to the European giant. But since then, Germany has pared down its use of the fossil fuel significantly.

Electricity generation from renewable sources was over 50% of the total in 2023 for the first time, while coal’s share dropped to 26% from 34%, according to the federal network agency.

The reduction in coal use accounted for a decrease of 46 million tonnes in CO2 emissions, the think tank estimated.

At the same time, industrial emissions fell by 20 million tonnes, as production in energy-intensive industries dropped sharply.

The renewables record brought Germany closer to its target to produce 80% of its electricity from wind and solar by 2030, Agora’s chief Simon Mueller said.

But the reduction in emissions from industry did not reflect a “sustainable development”, Mueller said.

“The crisis-related slump in production weakens the German economy. If emissions are subsequently relocated abroad, then nothing has been achieved for the climate,” he said.

In all, the think tank estimated that only 15% of the reduction in 2023 constituted a “permanent emissions savings”.

To hit its climate targets, Germany needs a “barrage of investments” to modernise industry and reduce the carbon footprint from heating, Mueller said.