Spain has made significant strides in transitioning to low-carbon electricity, with an impressive 80% of its electricity generation now coming from clean sources between August 2024 and July 2025. Wind and nuclear power are the substantial contributors, together producing more than 40% of the country's electricity. Solar power, close behind at about 19%, marks another vital pillar of Spain's low-carbon strategy. Hydropower also contributes significantly, adding another 18% to the low-carbon mix. While the reliance on fossil fuels is still present, it is now under 20%, with natural gas being the primary source, alongside minimal contributions from coal, which has nearly been phased out. This solid foundation of low-carbon electricity marks a significant achievement for Spain, bolstering its efforts to electrify various sectors, including transport, heating, and industry, which will be essential for future sustainability.
Is Electricity Growing in Spain?
Despite this progress, overall electricity consumption in Spain has not yet returned to its peak levels. The latest data shows that electricity consumption per person is around 5477 kWh, falling short of the previous record of 6786 kWh set in 2008. This decrease, totaling 1309 kWh, suggests a gap that needs to be addressed to meet the demands of future electrification and technological advancements. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity has slightly decreased compared to its peak in 2024, dropping by 75 kWh per person. While the foundations are strong, these figures indicate a need for renewed efforts to expand Spain's electricity generation capacity to sustainably support its economic and environmental goals.
Suggestions
The expansion of existing low-carbon technology is crucial to closing this gap and securing Spain's energy future. By focusing on the already successful sectors, such as nuclear, wind, and solar energy, Spain can significantly boost its electricity generation. Nuclear power, being a reliable and efficient source, alongside increased investment in solar power, which has seen recent growth, can further enhance the low-carbon mix. Wind power, with its current substantial contribution, also holds promise for further expansion. Prioritizing these areas will not only increase the nation's clean electricity output but also play a crucial role in reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, thereby mitigating the impacts of climate change and reducing air pollution.
History
Reflecting on the historical development of low-carbon electricity in Spain, hydropower has seen significant fluctuations, with notable increases in the late 1970s and periodic gains through the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. However, these periods have often been matched with considerable declines, which reflect the variability in hydropower generation largely driven by changing water availability. In the past few years, solar energy has emerged strongly, with 2023 marking a substantial increase in its contribution. This builds on Spain's commitment to expanding its solar capacity as part of its broader low-carbon strategy. Investing in more stable and scalable low-carbon energy sources like nuclear and solar, which are less weather-dependent, will be essential for Spain to sustainably increase its electricity production while ensuring energy security and environmental stewardship.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.