Band 7+: The pie charts below show the rates of energy production in Germany and Japan in 1990 and 2000. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

The pie charts illustrate the distribution of energy output in Germany and Japan in 1990 and 2000.

Overall, while the use of renewable energy sources increased, there was a decrease in energy production from fossil fuels. Additionally, the gap between energy output rates in the two years narrowed significantly compared to the previous ten years.

In 1990, coal was the primary energy source in both Germany and Japan, producing approximately the same percentage of energy output: 40% in Germany and 39% in Japan. In Germany, hydropower was the second largest energy producer, accounting for 17%, while in Japan, oil followed coal as the next largest source, contributing 21%. There were no notable contributions from other energy sources.

In 2000, a reversal of this pattern occurred, as coal was no longer the main energy source. Solar power experienced a significant increase, making up 23% of energy output in Germany and 27% in Japan. Additionally, other renewable energy sources, such as wind energy, saw a rise, while hydropower maintained the same proportion of energy output in both countries.