The impact of renewable, clean energies in the Spanish energy mix

Renewable energies: an unstoppable trend

Spain has experienced a major transformation in energy generation in recent years with a notable rise of renewable and clean options in the country’s energy mix.

Renewable energies have gained ground in Spain with sources including solar, wind, hydroelectric and biomass. Recent data indicate that renewable energies have set a new record in Spain by covering over half of the demand for electricity in 2023.

According to Red Eléctrica (REE), the figure is 50.4%, an all-time record in production by over 135,000 GWh; wind and photovoltaic solar power have broken their own records for production and participation in the energy generation structure.

Following this trend, Red Eléctrica notes that renewables accounted for 54.6% of the generation mix in December 2023 with 12,354 GWh. Renewable energies contributed 24.6% more that month than in December 2022.

Solar and wind power, a fundamental pillar

Solar and wind are already fundamental pillars in the Spanish energy panorama. Power generation from the sun and force of the wind has experienced exponential growth, evidenced by the proliferation of solar parks and wind farms in various regions around the country.

Wind power ranks first in the generation structure with a share of 23.5%, close to 63,700 GWh. Photovoltaic comes in fourth in the energy mix with 14% and production of over 37,000 GWh, almost 34% more than 2022.

Spain, a benchmark in Europe

Thanks to the mass incorporation of new photovoltaic capacity and greater wind and hydraulic production, November 2023 has become the month with the lowest emissions in the history of the Spanish electricity system to date.

When reviewing the transition to renewable and clean energies in Spain it is vital to place these changes in the European context, especially considering neighbouring countries such as Germany and Italy, which have also invested significant efforts in this direction.

Germany, leader in renewable energies

Germany stands out as Europe’s leader in adopting renewable energies. The German energy transition has led to the mass implementation of solar and wind technologies. Installed renewable energy capacity in Germany far exceeds that of Spain and is a benchmark in integrating these sources into the energy mix. However, renewables only covered over half (52%) of electricity consumption in Germany for the first time in 2023.

Italy and its comprehensive approach

Italy has adopted a comprehensive approach covering both renewable energies and cleantech. The diversification of its energy production combines solar, wind, hydroelectric and nuclear sources. This multidimensional approach reflects the importance of considering diverse options to achieve a sustainable transition.

France and its commitment to nuclear

Unlike Spain, nuclear power plays a key role in France’s energy mix. Approximately three quarters of electricity in France is generated by nuclear plants. This strategic choice has provided the country with a stable energy source low in carbon emissions, although it continues to raise questions about nuclear waste management.
While France has seen growth in the adoption of renewable energies in recent years, their share does not yet match that of Spain. Solar power and especially wind, with a record high in November 2023, are gaining ground in our neighbouring country but the emphasis on nuclear power has had an impact on the speed of the transition to renewable sources compared to other European nations.

China speeds up renewable energy

Beyond Europe and in a global context, 2023 saw a radical change for renewable energy growth over the next five years. According to the International Energy Agency, “this global acceleration in 2023 has been mainly driven by the year-on-year expansion of the Chinese photovoltaic solar (+116%) and wind (+66%) market”.

Between 2023 and 2028, China —the country with the highest greenhouse and pollutant gas emissions— will roll out almost five times more renewable capacity than the European Union and six times more than the US, which will continue to be the second and third highest growing markets. The Chinese Government aims to achieve Net Zero by 2060.