In the past 12 months, from December 2024 to November 2025, Spain has achieved a significant milestone in transforming its electricity generation landscape. More than three-quarters of Spain’s electricity came from low-carbon sources, with nuclear, wind, and solar leading the charge. Wind and solar power together contributed almost half of the country's electricity, with solar providing just over 22% and wind roughly 22% as well. Nuclear power remains a cornerstone of clean energy in Spain, contributing about 15%. Despite the impressive strides in clean energy, fossil fuels still account for a significant portion of electricity production, with gas contributing nearly 22% and oil and biofuels together accounting for about 4%.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Spain?
Unfortunately, electricity consumption per person in Spain seems to be not only stagnant but has seen a decline from its peak. The latest average consumption is around 5,400 kWh per person for 2025, which represents a decrease of nearly 1,400 kWh from the high in 2008. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person has also seen a dip, registering 4,078 kWh lately compared to the previous year's record of 4,288 kWh. This dip is concerning, particularly in the face of the urgent need for increased clean electricity to support sustainable growth and technological advancements.
Suggestions
For Spain to further increase its low-carbon electricity generation, expanding existing nuclear, solar, and wind capacities should be a priority. Spain could take inspiration from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy makes up more than two-thirds of electricity generation. Additionally, looking at the remarkable contributions from wind power in countries like Denmark and Iowa, with more than half their electricity coming from this source, Spain can ramp up its wind energy projects. Solar energy also holds immense potential, and lessons could be drawn from Nevada, where solar energy provides a substantial portion of electricity. Emphasizing these strategies can help Spain lead in the global transition to low-carbon energy.
History
Looking back, Spain's low-carbon electricity history has seen remarkable moments, especially in hydro and nuclear energy. The late 1970s and early 1980s marked substantial growth in hydroelectric power, despite some significant declines like in 1980. The mid-1980s saw a notable expansion in nuclear power. However, Spain’s nuclear generation faced a concerning drop in 2025. Through the 1990s and early 2000s, there were notable fluctuations in hydroelectric generation, with several years experiencing growth followed by declines. Beyond the 2010s, while solar energy only recently surged in 2023, future expansions must capitalize on past lessons. By embracing and expanding existing clean energy sources, Spain can ensure a cleaner and sustainable electricity future.
