In May, Spain’s renewable energy sector witnessed a significant surge in electricity production, according to reports from the country’s power grid operator, Red Electrica de Espana (REE). Renewables generated a total of 13,520 GWh, marking a notable 16.4% increase compared to the previous year.
Renewables claimed a 63.0% share of the country’s total electricity production for the month, slightly down from April’s estimated 64.6%.
Photovoltaic solar energy emerged as the leading contributor to Spain’s power mix for the first time in history, constituting 23.8% of the total output. Solar PV plants generated 5,098 GWh, exhibiting a remarkable 31.6% year-on-year growth and setting new records for both production volume and share.
On May 24, solar PV achieved a milestone by setting a new daily production record of 199 GWh, representing 29% of the total electricity generated that day.
After a seven-month reign as Spain’s primary power source, wind farms slid to second place among renewable energy technologies, contributing 20.2% of the total output in May. Nuclear power and hydro followed with shares of 16.5% and 14.3%, respectively.
The country’s national electricity demand experienced a modest uptick of 1.7% compared to May 2023, totaling 19,432 GWh gross. Adjusted for temperature and working hours, the year-on-year increase stood at 1.1%.
REE’s findings highlight the growing prominence of renewable energy sources in Spain’s electricity landscape, signaling a significant step towards sustainable energy transition.
