Spain records 76.3% carbon-free electricity in February

Spain ‘s PV Magazine reports that 76.3% of the country’s electricity was generated carbon-free in February – more than 54.1% from renewables and 22.1% nuclear.

Monthly figures included nuclear (22.1%), hydroelectric (20.2%), wind (17.3%), photovoltaic (14%) and gas (13.8%). In addition, 237 GWh went to storage and 1,214 GWh were for export to neighbouring countries.

The energy mix included a 41.6% increase in hydro power – partly, perhaps, reflecting the time of year. And solar would be expected to make a greater contribution in summer.

But a report by the international BBVA Research organisation warns that Spain faces significant challenges to integrate clean energy with its grid, in common with many other countries, including the UK.

Spain is characterised by divisions between cities that consume far more renewable energy than they produce, and regions that produce more than they consume. So there are issues concerning both grid connections and inter-regional transmission.

The report says limited grid capacity and insufficient storage led to Spain wasting around 1% of its renewable energy in 2023. Curtailment has increased costs by driving up wholesale electricity prices, while the need to replace curtailed renewable energy with fossil fuels has contributed to higher emissions​.

It concludes that the transition to renewables requires substantial grid expansion and modernisation. However, delays in permitting and supply chain constraints have slowed progress, preventing Spain from fully capitalising on its abundant renewable resources as a competitive advantage.