Germany generated more than 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources for the first time in the first half of 2011, according to a report by the German Association of Energy and Water Industries. Solar power increased a total of 76 percent, while the share of wind power increased to 7.5 percent of usage, biomass 5.6 percent, and hydroelectric 3.3 percent. Energy use remained stable, but the share of renewable sources rose from 18.3 to 20.8 percent, continuing toward the nation's goal of 35 percent renewable electricity by 2020. Germany plans to increase the share of alternative energy while simultaneously phasing out nuclear power in the wake of the Fukushima disaster, already shutting down 8,800 MW. Last week, the energy regulator dismissed the idea of keeping nuclear reactors on standby in case power reserves are stretched over the winter, saying that he had been assured that coal-fired power plants could prepare to provide additional capacity. For the full story, see http://e360.yale.edu/digest/green_energy_use_in_germany_passes_20_percent_of_total_power_mix/3105. For the story on the decision not to reopen plants, see http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/31/us-germany-power-reserve-idUSTRE77U1HK20110831.