Spain Surpasses 100 GW of Renewable Energy Capacity as Solar Becomes Dominant
Spain has achieved a major milestone in its energy transition by surpassing 100 gigawatts of installed renewable energy capacity in 2025. This noteworthy development highlights the country's commitment to decarbonization and sustainable growth in its energy sector. Solar photovoltaic technology has emerged as the standout leader, accounting for nearly half of the renewable capacity and solidifying its position as Spain's primary electricity source for the coming years.
With a total connected capacity of approximately 101.77 GW, including recent data from the system operator Red Electrica, Spain now features one of Europe's most extensive renewable portfolios. This figure encompasses various renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and others, emphasizing a diverse and resilient energy mix that supports national and economic stability.
Solar photovoltaics PV remain at the forefront, with capacity reaching over 48 GW. Notably, around 8.75 GW is attributed to self-consumption installations, representing nearly 9 percent of the total PV capacity. The sector has grown significantly this year, adding nearly 9 GW, driven by technological advances and supportive policies. This surge makes solar PV a critical component in Spain's decarbonization strategy.
Wind energy continues to play a vital role with approximately 33 GW connected, making it the second-largest renewable technology in Spain. It consistently generates around 22 percent of the country's electricity, increasing by nearly 1 GW during this period. Hydroelectric power remains stable with about 17 GW, providing reliable baseload renewable capacity, while solar thermal systems contribute an additional 2.3 GW.
Other renewable sources, including biomass, biogas, and marine energy, account for over 1.15 GW. Although smaller in scale, these technologies diversify Spain's energy matrix and support various regional and technological needs. The less developed sectors such as waste-to-energy and experimental hydro-wind hybrids have modest capacities but hold potential for future growth.
Despite the impressive expansion, solar PV is expected to see a slight decline in new capacity installations in upcoming years, primarily due to market saturation and logistical factors. Still, the overall trend remains upward, reflecting Spain's strategic emphasis on expanding renewables and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. As the clean energy infrastructure matures, Spain aims to further enhance grid integration, storage solutions, and policy support to sustain this growth trajectory.
Spain's achievement of surpassing 100 GW of renewable energy capacity marks a significant step toward its climate goals and exemplifies successful energy transition strategies essential for decarbonization. The country's focus on solar and wind energy demonstrates how targeted investments and policies can accelerate the adoption of renewables, fostering a sustainable future for all.