Spain generated a record 50% of its electricity from renewable energy in 2023

Spain will generate more than half of its electricity in 2023 from renewable energies such as wind and solar, achieving a “historic” record, the country’s electricity grid announced on Thursday.

According to data from Red Electrica Espanola (REE), electricity production from renewable energies reached approximately 135,000 GWh last year, representing 50.4% of the country’s total energy mix.

According to a statement from REE, this percentage is eight points higher than the 42.2% achieved in 2022 and marks the first time Spain has exceeded the 50% renewable electricity threshold.

Wind was the main energy source for the second year in a row, generating 63,000 GWh, representing 23.3% of Spain’s total electricity generation.

In addition, the amount of power generated by solar power generation facilities was 37,000 GWh, accounting for 14% of the total, far exceeding the 9.5% generated by hydropower.

Nuclear power remained stable at 20.3% of the total, while gas power decreased by 7 percentage points to 17.2% over the same period.

Beatriz Corredor, president of REE’s parent company Lydeia, said in a statement that the figures are “irrefutable evidence that the green transition is steadily progressing in Spain.”

The government of Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged to increase the share of renewable energy in Spain’s total electricity generation to 74% by 2030, given the country’s abundant natural solar and wind power. This is an achievable goal.

The result is a proliferation of megaprojects, including solar and wind farms, backed by large-scale investments, particularly in the sparsely populated north and central regions.

This figure makes Spain one of the European leaders in terms of the highest renewable energy generation capacity.

Germany also released preliminary figures in mid-December, showing that renewable energy will exceed 50% of the total electricity generation for the first time in 2023.