Renewable energy is playing a crucial role in the global energy transition, and within this context, wind energy has emerged as an excellent source for generating clean electricity in Spain. However, the development of renewable energy has not been equal in all regions of the country. This is due to factors such as geographical characteristics, existing infrastructure, government support and both private and public investment.
During the month of January, wind energy It was the main source of electricity generation in Spain, reaching impressive production figures, even surpassing other renewable and non-renewable technologies. This reflects the growing role that wind power plays in the country's energy mix.
Wind power generation in January 2023
During January 2023, wind energy produced 24,7% of the electricity total electricity generated in the country, equivalent to 5.300 gigawatt hours (GWh). This represents an increase of 10,5% compared to the same period last year. According to data from the Red Eléctrica de España (REE), the total monthly electricity demand in January was 22.635 GWh. Although wind power accounts for a significant percentage, it is far from the only renewable energy source in Spain. Below, we look at how wind power compares to other sources.
Comparison with other energy sources
Although Spain also enjoys many hours of sunshine, Photovoltaic solar energy accounted for only 1,9% of total electricity production in January. This shows a considerable difference with respect to wind power. However, it is important to note that in subsequent months, solar energy has been gaining more relevance in the Spanish energy mix, especially during the summer months.
Furthermore, sources such as nuclear (with a share of 22,1%) and hydroelectric (18,3%) also form an important part of the energy mix in Spain. The fact that wind power has surpassed the production of all these sources is a clear indicator of its long-term potential, especially when taking into account technological advances in the field and continued investment in infrastructure.
Impact of storms on wind production
Spain currently has more than a thousand wind farms distributed across 800 municipalities. The vast majority of these parks are located in areas with strong winds, which has benefited wind production, especially during the continuous storms experienced in December and January. In December 2022, wind energy generated 25,1% of the total, while in January 2023, this percentage was 24,7%.
The Canary Islands have also played a significant role in this increase, with an additional 59,1 MW installed in recent years. In December 2023, the archipelago reached a historic milestone with a monthly production of 210 GWh, which highlights the importance of continuing to invest in clean energy, even in regions with challenging geographical characteristics.
Potential for growth and expansion
Since 2017, the installed capacity of wind energy in Spain has grown significantly, reaching 23.121 MW distributed mainly in Castilla y León (6.640 MW), Aragón (4.921 MW) and Castilla-La Mancha. This increase has allowed wind energy to become the main renewable source in the country, representing 24,5% of the total installed capacity.
Spain has established itself as the second country in Europe with the greatest wind power generation capacity, second only to Germany. Within the global context, Spain also stands out as one of the five main exporters of wind turbines, contributing significantly to the economy with the creation of more than 39.000 direct and indirect jobs.
Challenges for the future of wind energy
Despite its success, the wind sector faces several challenges related to obtaining permits and building large parks. Social rejection in some regions has slowed down the expected growth. The National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) sets a target of reaching 33 GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030, which requires an installation rate of at least 3,5 GW per year in the coming years. However, to date, only 3.8 GW have construction permits.
During 2024, approvals are expected to accelerate and the first installations of offshore wind farms are expected to begin in 2030. This is a new sector with great potential in Spain, especially on the Atlantic and North Sea coasts.
Socioeconomic and environmental benefits
The adoption of wind energy not only benefits the fight against climate change, but also has a positive impact on the Spanish economy. The substitute use of wind energy instead of fossil fuels has allowed an estimated saving of 7.358 million euros for consumers in the last year, reducing the cost of the electricity market by approximately 31,25 euros per megawatt hour (MWh).
Furthermore, wind power has continued to break records in daily electricity production in Spain. In November 2023, wind power reached an all-time high in daily generation, accounting for 53,8% of the total. This progress, together with the growing production capacity expected in the coming years, will ensure that wind power remains a key component in the country's energy future.
Spain’s commitment to wind energy continues to grow, with clear goals to increase its capacity and continue to lead the transition to a more sustainable economy. While there are challenges, wind energy has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective technology that will continue to play a crucial role in the country’s efforts to decarbonise its economy.