The Spanish government has submitted its 2030 National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), raising the country’s ambitions on greenhouse gas emission reduction to 23% compared to 1990 level. Spain is a powerhouse for renewable energy deployment with 25,7 gigawatts (GW) of total installed wind capacity. In 2019 Spain was Europe’s leading market for onshore wind.

This position is likely to be strengthened as the presented NECP foresees renewables to account for 42% of the country’s energy mix and to generate 74% of its electricity. For wind energy the government in Madrid plans an annual installation of 2,2 GW up to 2030.

“Spain has submitted an ambitious 2030 National Energy & Climate Plan (NECP) to the EU. This is a strong and encouraging sign for the European energy transition, especially in the current challenging times. Spain has long been a leader in renewables: wind is 20% of their electricity and they create more export revenues from wind energy than from wine. It’s great to see they’re now planning a significant further expansion of renewables. The level of ambition and visibility sends a clear signal to investors and will be good for jobs and growth. It makes Spain a frontrunner in the EU Green Deal”, says WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson.

Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO) is reserving the right to modify the Plan because the public consultations on the submitted Plan were derailed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 mustn’t undermine our common efforts to tackle climate change. On the contrary, the Green Deal is the best route out of current crisis. Spain gets this. Its green economy will drive its recovery. And wind will play a central role: its shovel-ready, cheap to build and supports lots of jobs.” says Dickson and adds: “Five other EU Member States still haven’t finalised their NECPs yet. They should find inspiration in the excellent Spanish example. Come on France, come on Germany…”