Biofuel Crops, Solar Panels to Cover 11% of Germany by 2020

(Bloomberg) — Efforts to boost production of renewable energy in Germany means the amount of land used to generate power and heat from corn, solar panels and wind turbines will more than double by 2020.

Almost 4 million hectares will be needed for growing biofuel crops and operating windmills and solar parks within 10 years, according to data provided by Germany

Germany may be able to generate about half of its electricity using renewable sources at the end of the decade, the industry estimates. Most of the land will be used to grow crops such as corn, sugar beets and rapeseed for products including biodiesel, ethanol and biogas that are used in transportation fuels and electric production, the agency said.