In a recent development, the Ministry of Ecological Transition (MITECO) in Spain has unveiled an updated version of its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), significantly raising the target for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations to 76GW by 2030. This ambitious plan seeks to accelerate the country's transition to clean energy and aligns with the European Union's increased targets outlined in the updated REPowerEU strategy and the “Fit for 55” package.
The revised draft, currently open for public consultation until September 4, 2023, marks a substantial increase from the previous target of 39GW for installed solar capacity. Out of the updated 76GW goal, 19GW will be dedicated to self-consumption, contributing to Spain's overall target of achieving a total installed electricity capacity of 214GW by 2030.
As of the end of 2022, Spain had already installed nearly 20GW of solar PV capacity, with an impressive addition of approximately 3.7GW of ground-mounted capacity in 2022 alone. This progress demonstrates the country's commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure.
The NECP update also outlines Spain's objective to generate 81% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade. However, while energy storage targets remain relatively unchanged, with a modest increase of 2GW to reach a total of 22GW by 2030, green hydrogen is set to experience a significant expansion. The plan aims to nearly triple the capacity of electrolysers for green hydrogen production from the current expectation of 4GW to an ambitious target of 11GW.
The Spanish government anticipates submitting this revised version of the NECP to the European Commission by June 2024, aligning with the EU's objectives and commitment to a sustainable energy future. The full draft can be accessed on the MITECO website, although it is currently available only in Spanish.
Furthermore, during a recent Minister's Cabinet meeting, the Spanish government introduced renewable energy communities and granted a six-month extension for renewable projects that are still in the process of obtaining construction permits. This extension has provided much-needed relief to the renewables industry in Spain, as numerous projects were at risk of missing the July 25, 2023 deadline for permit acquisition.
Rafael Benjumea, president of the Spanish solar association UNEF, expressed his enthusiasm for the extension, describing it as “great news for the industry.” He highlighted the potential threat to project viability posed by the original deadline, particularly given Spain's challenges in securing contractors for over 25GW of solar PV projects that had received positive environmental assessments earlier this year.
The revised NECP, coupled with the extension for renewable projects, showcases Spain's commitment to clean energy and the significant strides it is making in the renewable sector. These initiatives not only align with European targets but also present opportunities for the country to enhance its energy independence and contribute to a sustainable and greener future.
