Wind energy consolidates its leadership in the Spanish electricity system in 2024

The Spanish electricity system continues its transformation towards a more sustainable and decarbonised energy model. This is reflected in the report "Renewables in the Spanish Electricity System 2024" by Red Eléctrica, which highlights the record level of electricity generation from renewable sources and the growing contribution of wind and solar photovoltaic power to the national energy mix.

The growth of renewables in Spain has been significant in 2024, with 7.3 GW of new renewable capacity added to the generation fleet. Of this, nearly 6 GW came from solar photovoltaic and 1.3 GW from wind power, reaffirming the leadership of these technologies in the country’s energy transition. This represents the highest annual increase recorded so far, consolidating six consecutive years of high renewable integration and totalling 30 GW added since 2019.

In the last decade, renewable capacity in Spain has increased by 77%, adding 37 GW. During this period, solar photovoltaic has led the way with 28 GW of growth, while wind energy has expanded by 9 GW.

Thanks to this development, renewable technologies generated 56.8% of Spain’s electricity in 2024 — a record figure. This represents a 5.6 percentage point increase compared to the previous year, when renewables made up 51.2% of the energy mix. In absolute terms, renewable generation increased by 10.3% compared to 2023, totalling 148,999 GWh.

Wind power remained the most significant renewable source, contributing 23.2% of total electricity generation in Spain. Although its output fell by 2.8% compared to the previous year, it continues to play a key role in the electricity system, generating a total of 60,921 GWh in 2024.

Solar photovoltaic, meanwhile, was the fastest-growing technology in terms of installed capacity and output. Over the year, more than 6,000 MW were added — a 22.8% increase from 2023. As a result, solar PV production rose by 18.9%, reaching a new record of 44,520 GWh. This makes solar PV the third-largest source of electricity in Spain for the first time, overtaking hydro and combined cycle.

The rise in renewables has had a positive impact on greenhouse gas emissions. In 2024, emissions linked to electricity generation fell by 16.8% compared to 2023, reaching 27 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent — the lowest level on record and a 75.7% reduction compared to 2007.

To ensure supply security in a system with high renewable penetration, Red Eléctrica continues to play a key role through its Renewable Energy Control Centre (CECRE). This world-leading centre, in operation since 2006, monitors renewable production in real time to optimise integration and prevent supply disruptions.

The Red Eléctrica report also highlights the regional distribution of renewable capacity. Castilla y León remains the leader in installed capacity with 14,611 MW, representing 96.2% of its generation mix. Wind power is dominant here, accounting for 47.8% of capacity, while solar PV has seen the strongest growth with a 37.4% increase from 2023.

Andalusia has consolidated its position as the second region with the highest renewable capacity, reaching 13,613 MW after the largest annual increase: 2,276 MW. Solar PV led this growth, adding 2,253 MW and accounting for 24.3% of national photovoltaic expansion.

In 2024, Spain became the second country in wind and solar generation, behind only Germany. These advances mark further progress towards the goals set in the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) 2023–2030. Spain aims to achieve 81% renewable electricity generation and 48% renewable energy in final consumption by 2030. With the current pace of wind and solar growth, these targets appear increasingly within reach.