Walter Finch
SPAIN’s renewable energy sources once again accounted for over half of the country’s electricity generation in August, according to provisional figures from Spanish power grid operator Red Electrica de España (REE).
Renewable energy accounted for 52.6% of Spain’s electricity generation – although down from 55.3% in July.
Overall the country’s green energy complement produced 12,341 GWh of electricity in August, 13.6% more than in the same month in 2023.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology took centre stage, generating, at 5,400 GWh, 24% of Spain’s power mix in August – a 20.8% increase compared to the same period last year.
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This marked the fourth consecutive month that solar PV has been the number one source of energy for the country.
In terms of renewables, wind power also contributed significantly, generating 17% of August’s power output at 16 3,889 GWh – although this represents a slight decline of 9% compared to the previous year.
The lack of strong wind blowing across the Spanish hills and plains in August likely accounts for the dip in green energy production from July.
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Other renewable sources, such as hydro (8.57%), Concentrated Solar Power (3.12%), and renewable waste (0.36%), also played a role in the overall energy mix. And their use is all on the rise.
Spain’s largest source of non-renewable energy comes from carbon-free nuclear power, which accounts for 22% of power generation with 5,092 GWh. Its consumption has largely remained steady from last year.
Natural gas (combined cycle-gas) is Spain’s largest fossil fuel, supplying 15% (3,457 GWh) of the mix, which is up 14.7%.
While it is more efficient and produces fewer carbon emissions compared to coal and oil-fired power plants, it still relies on burning natural gas, which releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and contributes to climate change.
One of the dirtiest energy sources, coal, accounts for just a miniscule 0.9% of Spain’s energy supply, demonstrating the country to be one of Europe’s cleanest.
Overall, national electricity demand in August was estimated at 22,347 GWh, a 3.1% year-on-year increase.
After adjustments for temperature and working hours, demand rose by 3.8% compared to the same period in 2023 – reflecting Spain’s healthy economic growth.
