In 2025, Spain portrays an impressive commitment to green energy, with low-carbon sources contributing to nearly 80% of its electricity generation. Wind energy, powering a significant segment of the electricity grid, constitutes more than a fifth of the country's total electricity. Coupled with nuclear energy, also achieving around a fifth, and solar representing another fifth, these sources highlight Spain's strategic diversification in clean energy. Hydropower supplements these with its notable contribution of around 15%, while biofuels account for a little more than 2%. The reliance on fossil energy has significantly decreased and now represents just over 20% of the mix, marking a positive trajectory toward sustainable energy goals.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Spain?
Despite this impressive low-carbon portfolio, the overall electricity consumption in Spain appears to be declining rather than growing, a cause for concern considering modern demands for increased electricity. The latest total electricity consumption sits at 5378 kWh per person, a stark decline from its 2008 high of 6786 kWh per person. This reduction of more than 1400 kWh per individual indicates a contraction in electricity use. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has also seen a slight decrease from its 2024 record of 4288 to 4263 kWh per person. This minor drop of 25 kWh per person, though small, signals a need for reinvigorating strategies to boost low-carbon production, especially as global needs for electrification rise.
Suggestions
To counter this contraction and enhance the clean energy sector, Spain should focus on expanding its existing nuclear, wind, and solar capabilities. Considering successful regions, Spain can learn from France where nuclear generation supplies 70% of electricity, illustrating a model of nuclear-driven efficacy. For wind, Denmark's and Iowa's wind power production at nearly 60% presents an encouraging benchmark for Spain's wind sector. As for solar advances, states like Nevada demonstrate potential with solar accounting for a third of their electricity. Leveraging these successful examples, Spain could harness more of its ample sunlight and favorable wind conditions to substantially increase its green electricity generation and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, thus enhancing its role in mitigating climate change impacts.
History
Tracing the history of low-carbon electricity in Spain reveals a fascinating tapestry of growth and adaptation. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, hydropower featured prominently, showing a notable rise followed by periods of decline. The mid-1980s saw a significant boost in nuclear power with 1984 being an impactful year. Interestingly, the 1990s and 2000s reflected a similar cyclic pattern in hydropower with substantial increases and decreases. However, in recent years, a positive shift is seen with solar energy gaining traction, as evidenced by its substantial growth of 10 TWh in 2023. Meanwhile, hydropower rebounded with an increase of nearly 10 TWh in 2024. This historical context underpins Spain's ongoing, albeit fluctuating, dedication to enhancing its clean energy framework.
