MADRID – Spain is on track to end 2023 with a 7.5% drop in greenhouse gas emissions. This is largely due to the growth of renewable energy sources.
For the first time, they have generated more than half of the country’s electricity. A study conducted by the Basque Center for Climate Change (BC3) and the Observatory for Energy Transition and Climate Action (OTEA) has predicted this significant drop in emissions.
Also read: More than half of Spain’s electricity comes from renewable sources
After a period of increase in previous years, emissions are decreasing again even with an expected growth of more than 2% for the economy in 2023. The report highlights that electricity generation is the most important factor behind reducing emissions. The reduced use of fossil fuels is explained by lower electricity production, an increase in hydroelectric production due to rainfall and the remarkable growth of solar energy through photovoltaic panels.
Challenges in the transport sector
Despite this progress, the transport sector still shows no clear downward trend in emissions. Although emissions from petroleum products have fallen by 5%, the report suggests that this is not due to the transport sector itself, but to other sectors. It highlights the need to decarbonise transport, promote access to public transport and electrify road transport.
Progress of renewable energy sources
In terms of renewable energy, Spain will reach a milestone in 2023, with 50.8% of electricity generated from renewable sources. Wind energy is the leader with 24%, followed by solar energy with 14%. The contribution of hydroelectric energy to the national system has also increased.
Beatriz Corredor, President of Redeia, emphasized that Spain has become a reference point in Europe in the field of the integration of renewable energy sources. At the same time, she emphasized the importance of continued efforts to achieve the 2030 targets.
