European regulations require all Member States to reduce greenhouse gases to address climate change. In July 2016, a Regulation was adopted that established the basis for the annual reduction of emissions of these gases by Member States from 2021 to 2030, known as the Regulation of Effort Distribution. This regulation is essential for the European Union to comply with the agreements reached in the COP21 from Paris.
Is Spain meeting its objectives?
Spain's commitment, in line with Europe, is ambitious. However, the country's progress towards these goals still presents significant challenges. Spain has taken steps to reduce emissions, but still faces significant obstacles. Below, we take a closer look at how Spain fares in this scenario.
Greenhouse gas reduction
El Regulation of Effort Distribution The EU-approved law establishes that emissions reductions must be based on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of each country, which determines the reduction percentages between 0% and 40%. For Spain, the goal is to reduce emissions by 26% by 2030, taking 2005 levels as a reference.
Globally, the regulation covers 60% of total EU emissions. The most heavily regulated sectors include: Transport, agriculture, buildings and waste managementHowever, despite these obligations, 25 of the 28 Member States have relaxed the regulations by using forest credits, including Spain.
Unlike Spain, Sweden, Germany and France are on track to meet the targets set by the Paris AgreementIt is important to note that Sweden, for example, has committed to a reduction of up to 40% in its national emissions, exceeding the requirements.
Spain, on the other hand, is in a less favourable position, ranking 20th among countries that have made the least progress in reducing emissions. The delay in plans to reduce emissions from 2021 instead of 2020 has resulted in an additional emission of 249 million tonnes of CO2.
Spain and the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC)
El National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030, known as PNIEC, establishes a framework for action to achieve the reduction targets for the next decade. In this plan, Spain aims to reduce its emissions by 23% compared to 1990 levels.
A key component of the plan is that 74% of the electricity consumed in Spain comes from renewable sources by 2030. In 2023, the wind power It is already the main source of electricity generation, covering 25% of total demand. This increase in renewable energy not only benefits the environment, but also drives sustainable economic growth by creating jobs and fostering innovation in the sector.
The impact of the most polluting sectors
Although progress in renewable electricity is notable, sectors such as transport and construction still represent a large source of emissions. In the case of construction, Spain has launched initiatives such as the energy rehabilitation of buildings in cities like Barcelona, where the use of sustainable materials is promoted. Even so, the challenge remains great, especially in the aviation and intensive livestock farming, two areas where the transition towards more sustainable practices is progressing slowly.
In transport, Spain is also promoting the sustainable mobility as one of the key strategies to reduce CO2 emissions, with initiatives such as low-emission zones and the promotion of electric vehicles.
Long-term strategies and goals to achieve climate neutrality
Spain's ultimate goal, in line with the European commitment, is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, it will be crucial to drastically reduce emissions in sectors such as transport, where the use of electric vehicles is being encouraged in different areas. In addition, improvements are planned in public infrastructure to offer more sustainable alternatives to the use of private cars.
It is vital to highlight that some regions and autonomous communities, such as the case of Navarra and Asturias, are leading this transition with reduction targets of 55% by 2030. These regions, however, are the exception to a majority of communities that have not yet reached the levels of ambition necessary to meet climate goals.
The role of renewable energy and the importance of investment
The wind and solar energy have been instrumental in reducing emissions in Spain. The deployment of onshore and offshore wind farms, together with the development of photovoltaic energy, has placed Spain as one of the leading countries in the use of these technologies.
Recently, the Sustainability Observatory The US reported a 5,3% decline in emissions in 2023 thanks to increased hydro and wind power. However, to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, an acceleration in the pace of emissions reduction will be needed to around 7,5% per year.
Going forward, it is essential to continue investing in renewable energy. Plans include consumption, with projects seeking to install up to 20 gigawatts (GW) in non-green areas such as parking lots and landfills, increasingly reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
It is equally relevant to mention the Next Generation funds, which represent an unprecedented opportunity for the decarbonisation of the Spanish economy, promoting green and sustainable growth.
Spain has made significant progress in reducing CO2 emissions, but there is still much work to be done, especially in key sectors such as housing, transport and agriculture.