Over the past 12 months, from November 2024 to October 2025, Spain has made notable strides in clean electricity generation. A significant portion of Spain's electricity, more than three-quarters, comes from low-carbon sources, which include wind, nuclear, solar, hydropower, and biofuels. Solar energy alone provides almost a quarter of the total electricity, illustrating its rapid development and critical role in Spain's energy mix. Wind and nuclear energy also make substantial contributions, nearly one-fifth and almost one-fifth respectively, reaffirming the country’s commitment to sustainable and green electricity. Fossil energy, largely from gas and a small share from oil, accounts for less than a quarter of the total generation, but this figure still indicates room for improvement to further reduce reliance on these polluting sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Spain?
Despite these advancements, Spain is currently experiencing a decline in overall electricity consumption when compared to historic levels. As of 2025, the average electricity consumption stands at approximately 5668 kWh per person, which is a significant drop from the all-time high of 6786 kWh per person recorded in 2008. This represents a decline of over 1000 kWh per person, highlighting concerns about stagnation in electricity growth. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation, while commendably high, has seen a negligible decrease, with a record of 4287 kWh per person in 2025, down by just one kWh from the previous year's peak. This stagnation is particularly concerning given the urgency in expanding clean energy to meet increasing future demands and the goals of sustainable development.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Spain should focus on expanding its existing solar, wind, and nuclear capabilities. These sectors have proven to be successful in the country's current energy landscape and hold significant potential for further growth. Spain can draw valuable insights from regions like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy provides the bulk of electricity, making up more than two-thirds of their energy mixes. Similarly, Iowa and South Dakota showcase the potential of wind energy, with wind accounting for over half of their electricity generation. By learning from these successful models, Spain can strengthen its own low-carbon electricity generation pathways, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and paving the way towards a greener energy future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Spain reveals periods of both growth and fluctuation. The late 20th century saw periods of pronounced shifts, particularly in hydropower, such as notable increases in 1977, 1996, and 2003, contrasted by significant declines occurring in years like 1980, 1989, and 2002. While nuclear energy also saw substantial growth in the early 1980s, marked by an expansion in 1984, the subsequent decades were primarily characterized by stability with minor fluctuations. In recent years, solar energy has emerged as a burgeoning contributor, evidenced by increases of nearly 11 TWh in 2023 and 2025, signifying its critical role in the transition to cleaner electricity. These historical trends highlight the importance of consistent advancements in low-carbon technologies, emphasizing the need for robust and sustainable developments in solar and nuclear sectors to ensure continued growth and environmental benefits.
