Spain has reached a new record in renewable energy generation in 2024with 55.8% of the national energy mix coming from sources such as wind, solar and hydraulic.
This milestone has been driven by sustained growth in installed renewable capacity, which already represents 64% of the national generating park, and by favorable weather conditions. According to data from Red Eléctrica, Wind energy, with a share of more than 23%, continues to be the main source of generationwhile photovoltaics has reached 17%, moving combined cycles to fourth place.
This is how the map of the Spanish energy mix looks in 2024
The Spanish electricity system closed the year 2024 with an encouraging outlook for renewable energies. Of everything the national energy mix77% was generated through emission-free technologies.
wind energy (23%): Spain reaffirms its leadership in this sector, where Castilla y León, Aragón and Castilla-La Mancha stand out as the regions with the highest installed capacity. Wind continues to be the star source of electricity generation thanks to a sustained growth of 5% in installed power compared to the previous year. Furthermore, this technology not only ensures stability in the system, but also helps to significantly reduce emissions.
photovoltaic solar energy (17%): This year has been especially significant for solar energy. Navarra led the relative increase with a growth of 36%, while Castilla y León (+34%) and Andalusia (+32%) added the highest total capacity. Extremadura also stands out by consolidating itself as the region with the highest installed solar power.
Hydropower (13%): Historically crucial for the Spanish electricity system, hydraulic energy continues to play a relevant role. With more than 1,350 active plants – of which 1,200 are mini plants – this technology brings stability and flexibility to the mix.
Source: REE
Nuclear power (19%): Although its contribution remains important, the beginning of the plant closure schedule marks the beginning of the end of this technology in Spain. Catalonia and Extremadura, regions with great dependence on nuclear power, are already adapting their energy strategies.
Combined cycles (15%): Despite having fallen to fourth place, this gas-based technology remains vital as a backup during times of low renewable generation.
By region, the Canary Islands have also shown significant progress in the deployment of renewables, while the underwater link between the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands It contributes to covering part of the islands’ electricity demand.
Challenges faced by renewable energies in 2025 in Spain
2024 has been a great year for the #EcologicalTransition in our country: according to our forecasts, more than 56% of the GWh produced in #Spain They come from renewable sources, which generate almost 11% more this year than in 2023.
See how the Spanish mix of… pic.twitter.com/QjDEePDPB5
— Red Eléctrica (@RedElectricaREE) December 23, 2024
As renewable energies consolidate their prominence in Spain, challenges also arise that affect both the system and consumers. One of the main challenges is the management of so-called zero or negative priceswhich in 2024 occurred in 10% of the hours of the year. Although this reflects greater integration of renewables, it also poses a risk to the stability of the electricity market, since it discourages new investments and can generate imbalances between supply and demand.
Another important obstacle is energy storage. Without significant advances in batteries, pumping systems or other technologies, it will be difficult to guarantee a constant supply in the face of intermittent sources such as wind and solar. The proximity of the closure of nuclear power plants increases this pressure, leaving a gap in firm generation capacity.
On the other hand, the transition towards a greener energy model also entails direct benefits for citizens. The growth of renewables promotes the infrastructure necessary for more sustainable mobilityfavoring the installation of charging points for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Likewise, low CO2 equivalent emissions – which have reached a historic low of 27 million tonnes – contribute to improving air quality and mitigating the impact of climate change.
Regarding the cost of electricity, renewable generation can help stabilize prices in the long term, provided current market challenges are overcome. Finally, although there is some social resistance regarding certain renewable projectsadequate planning could guarantee economic and social benefits, such as the generation of employment in rural areas and the development of local technologies.
In short, the record in renewables reached in 2024 not only reflects Spain’s commitment to sustainability, but also the challenges it faces in its transition to a 100% renewable model. The leadership of clean energies in the mix, with wind and solar at the forefront, is a sign that change is possible, although it will be key to advance in storage and resolve market imbalances to guarantee long-term stability.
Source: www.motorpasion.com
