According to a reliable source familiar with the negotiations, the Spanish government is set to announce a new commitment to reduce emissions by approximately 7% more than its previous target. However, this increase does not meet the expectations of environmentalist groups who have been advocating for more significant reductions.
The government's updated plan will aim for a greenhouse gas reduction target of about 30% less than the levels emitted in 1990, an improvement from the current goal of 23% less. This more ambitious target will be included in an upcoming revision of Spain's climate and energy roadmap, which is expected to be submitted to Brussels by the end of June. Additionally, the revised roadmap is likely to present more ambitious goals for hydrogen and renewable energy generation.
Spain, like other European countries, is in the process of updating its national energy and climate plan, known as PNIEC, for the period until 2030. The plan was initially adopted in 2021, but recent geopolitical events, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent efforts to reduce reliance on Russian gas, have necessitated adjustments to accelerate the green transition.
These national energy and climate plans play a crucial role in providing a roadmap for companies to plan their investments. They establish targets for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other relevant areas. European capitals are required to submit draft updated plans to the European Commission by the end of June, with final versions due in June of next year.
In December of last year, the European Union's executive body provided guidance stating that the updates to the national plans should focus on more ambitious climate action, a faster transition to clean energy, and increased energy security.
While the Spanish government's increased target is a step forward, it is likely to disappoint environmental groups, including Greenpeace, who had called for a much more stringent reduction target of 55%. In fact, Greenpeace and other organizations filed a climate change lawsuit against the Spanish government in 2020, arguing that it was not taking sufficient action to address climate change. The ruling on the lawsuit is anticipated to be delivered in June, as confirmed by Greenpeace.
The Spanish government's commitment to strengthening its greenhouse gas reduction target demonstrates its recognition of the urgency to address climate change. However, striking a balance between environmental aspirations and practical considerations remains a challenge for policymakers. The upcoming revisions to Spain's climate and energy roadmap will provide further insight into the country's efforts to mitigate climate change and transition towards a greener future.
