Electricity in Spain in 2024
In 2024, Spain's electricity consumption is predominantly driven by low-carbon energy sources, which account for more than three-quarters of the total. Among these, wind energy contributes a substantial portion, with almost a quarter of electricity generated from it. Solar power isn't far behind, providing around 21% of the electricity. Nuclear energy also plays a significant role, contributing about one-fifth of Spain's electricity supply. Hydropower contributes over a tenth, while biofuels account for a marginal percentage of the low-carbon mix. On the other hand, fossil energy sources, including gas, supply about 23% of Spain's electricity. This reliance on fossil fuels, although relatively limited, poses ongoing challenges related to climate change and air pollution that Spain needs to address.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Spain can look towards enhancing its existing nuclear, wind, and solar infrastructure. Expanding nuclear power, as seen in countries like France and Slovakia, which generate over 60% of their electricity from nuclear sources, could significantly bolster Spain's low-carbon output. Additionally, following the example of Denmark, where wind energy accounts for more than half of their electricity, could serve Spain well, given its suitable wind conditions. Spain can also take cues from Lebanon's advances in solar energy, as solar power continues to be a growth area given Spain's abundant sunshine. Strengthening these sectors can lead to a substantial decline in fossil fuel dependency, fostering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity supply.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Spain has witnessed several shifts, notably in hydropower contributions. Throughout the late 20th century and into the early 21st century, hydropower experienced significant fluctuations—such as a major increase in 1977 with an 18.7 TWh increase, followed by notable reductions in periods like 1980 and 2017, each experiencing declines over 15 TWh. Nuclear energy saw significant growth in the 1980s, particularly in 1984 with an increase of 12.4 TWh. More recently, solar power has seen promising growth, marked by the 2023 increase of 12.9 TWh. These patterns highlight fluctuating commitments to different clean energy strategies, with a consistent underlying need for growth and stability, especially critical for nuclear energy given its sustained potential to deliver clean electricity.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.