Where Does Electricity Come From in Spain?

Spain, a country with a diverse landscape and climate, is one of Europe's leaders in renewable energy production. In recent years, the country has made significant progress in transforming its energy sector, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and relying on renewable energy sources. We'll take a look at what energy sources dominate Spain's energy mix and what the future of energy in the country looks like.

Wind Energy

Spain is one of the world's pioneers in wind energy. In 2019, the country became the first to achieve the status where wind energy became a major source of electricity, surpassing other sources. Thanks to favorable wind conditions, especially in regions such as Galicia, Andalusia and Catalonia, wind farms are providing significant amounts of electricity. In 2022, wind energy accounted for about 24% of Spain's total electricity production.

Solar Energy

Solar renewable energy is the second most important source of energy in Spain. The country benefits from abundant sunshine, making it an ideal place to install photovoltaic panels. In 2022, solar energy provided about 13% of total electricity generation. Spain is planning to further develop solar energy, with a number of projects aimed at increasing capacity in this area.

Hydropower

Water also plays an important role in Spain's energy mix. Although hydropower production has declined in recent years due to climate change and drought, it is still an important source of energy, especially in mountainous regions such as the Pyrenees. In 2022, hydropower accounted for about 10% of Spain's total electricity production.

Biomass and Geothermal Thermal Energy

Although their share is smaller, biomass and geothermal thermal energy also contribute to the energy mix. Biomass is used for industry and heat production, and geothermal energy sources are becoming increasingly popular in some regions, especially in the northern part of the country.

Despite advances in renewables, traditional sources such as coal and gas still have a place in Spain's energy mix. However, their share of electricity generation has been declining significantly in recent years, and the Spanish government plans to phase out coal-fired power plants completely by 2030. It also plans to develop smart grids and increase energy storage capacity to better manage the country's energy production and consumption.