Spain Generates 77% Low-Carbon Electricity in 2024; Solar 53% Before Iberian Power Outage Affecting Portugal

In 2024, Spain generated 77% of its electricity from low-carbon sources, with wind energy contributing 22%, solar energy 21%, nuclear energy 20%, natural gas 18.7%, hydroelectric power 11.6%, and other fossil fuels 3.6%. Just before a recent power outage affecting both Spain and Portugal, solar energy accounted for 53% of electricity production, wind energy nearly 11%, and nuclear and gas combined 15%, according to data from Red Eléctrica de España (REE). The Spanish government highlighted that renewable energy has reached up to 100% of electricity generation at times, with the current share at 84%. Authorities emphasize that renewables are a strategic priority, contributing to significantly lower electricity prices compared to other countries. The blackout that occurred on Monday disrupted daily life across both countries, raising questions about the reliability of the grid despite the high reliance on renewable energy sources.