In the period from June 2025 to May 2026, Spain's electricity consumption showcases a strong commitment to low-carbon energy sources. Almost 76% of the electricity consumed comes from low-carbon sources, with solar, wind, and nuclear being the dominant contributors. Solar power generates about 21% of the electricity, nearly equal to wind power at around 21% as well. Nuclear energy also plays a significant role, providing about 18% of the electricity. Hydropower, with slightly over 13%, complements this clean energy mix. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, contribute to close to a quarter of the electricity consumed, with gas at nearly 20% being the largest contributor, while oil and biofuels together account for a small fraction of the total consumption.

Is Electricity Growing in Spain?

Despite Spain's admirable clean energy achievements, electricity consumption per person has seen a decline. The latest figure in 2026 stands at 5833 kWh per person, which is a decrease of 953 kWh from the record in 2008. More concerning is the decrease in low-carbon electricity generation per person, which has dropped by 136 kWh from its peak in 2025. These declines indicate a worrying trend, as robust electricity generation is essential to power the future demands of electrification, artificial intelligence, and to tackle challenges such as climate change and pollution. It is imperative for Spain to re-energize its low-carbon production capabilities to avoid stagnation and build a sustainable future.

Suggestions

To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Spain should focus on expanding its existing nuclear, wind, and solar capacities, which are pivotal to its current energy mix. Spain could draw valuable insights from several regions that have successfully harnessed low-carbon sources. France and Slovakia demonstrate the potential of nuclear energy, with nuclear contributing to approximately two-thirds of their electricity. Similarly, Denmark and Iowa have leveraged wind power significantly, both exceeding half of their electricity share. Collaborations and policy innovations inspired by such examples can aid Spain in scaling up and diversifying its low-carbon portfolio, ensuring a stable and sustainable electricity supply going forward.

History

Historically, Spain’s journey with low-carbon electricity has been dynamic. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, hydroelectric power experienced fluctuations, including a notable decline in 1980. The mid-1990s to the early 2000s saw notable growth spurts in hydroelectric power, with the starkest rise in 2003. While hydropower's contribution has varied, more constant have been the recent advancements in solar, with 2023 marking a significant increase. Unfortunately, the contribution of nuclear power, which saw substantial growth in 1984, hasn’t been met with similar expansions like those in solar or wind. Fostering both solar and nuclear energy facilities can create a more resilient energy landscape for Spain, aligning with its past growth while paving the way for a cleaner future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jun 2025 – May 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.