The Pedro Sanchez government is accelerating climate and energy policy changes with broad implications for Spain and its regions. In Asturias, a region with a long industrial history and high per capita emissions, the shift is particularly pronounced. The Ministry for Ecological Transition has presented the European Commission with the first draft update of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030 PNIEC. Emissions targets are tightening, and the plan projects a larger share of electricity generation from renewables. The plan also sets ambitious milestones for electrolysis to produce green hydrogen, with a target near 11 gigawatts, and foresees the phase-out of coal fired plants from the system by 2025. This aligns with EDPs decision to stop using coal at its Asturias facilities.
As the general elections approach and with political debates over the potential extension of nuclear plant lifespans, the government submitted the PNIEC revision to Brussels. The deadline passed on the 30th, leaving the draft to be publicly available by 4 September and the final approval to be the responsibility of the next government.
Emissions cut
The revised document, building on the 2020 plan, targets carbon neutrality by 2050 and calls for a 32 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, up from 23 percent. The sectors driving the emissions reductions in absolute terms include electricity generation, which is expected to cut emissions by about 33 million tons CO2 equivalent due to the rapid expansion of renewable energy; transport, with a 32 million ton cut driven by rail investments, electric vehicle adoption, and advanced biofuels; industry, aiming for an 18 million ton reduction through tighter emissions trading and decarbonization projects supported by public funds; and the residential and commercial sectors, targeting a 12 million ton decrease thanks to energy efficiency and self consumption measures. Asturias bears the greatest exposure to emissions cuts in power generation due to coal still playing a major role, and in industry due to its heavy concentration of high emitting activities and employment.
end of coal
The document notes that if current trends hold, coal plants are expected to stop supplying energy to the grid from 2025, considering CO2 costs and future gas prices. To accompany these closures, agreements have been signed with the companies and unions that own the plants to implement worker support measures and to channel alternative investments into affected regions.
New energy mix
The government is doubling down on its green commitments in the 2030 energy and climate roadmap, aiming for 81 percent of electricity to come from renewable sources, up from a previous projection of 74 percent. The plan envisions 105 gigawatts of new renewable capacity within ten years, up from 59 GW in the earlier PNIEC. By 2030, installed capacity should reach 76 GW, with 37 GW more from solar and a substantial boost in wind energy, increasing to 62 GW (with an additional 12 GW) and including a wind focus along the Asturian coast. The renewables expansion is paired with storage capacity to 22 GW by 2030, while the existing nuclear scenario remains through demand management, maintenance, and a shutdown program of the older gas plant fleet.
Gijon regasification plant
The plan mentions the El Musel regasification facility as part of market integration measures. It will support logistics services that enhance European energy solidarity and provide additional flexibility to the Spanish gas system, helping to balance supply and demand across neighboring networks.
green hydrogen
The update reinforces accelerated electrification and a broad hydrogen strategy. It targets 11 GW of electrolyzers to produce green hydrogen, a target that nearly triples the prior plan which anticipated 4 GW. The policy also signals expanded adoption of electric vehicles, with a forecast of millions of electrically powered cars by the end of the decade, and an increase in energy efficient housing and self-consumption. Large regional industries such as ArcelorMittal, Fertiberia and DuPont are planning hydrogen use, with alliances among Enagás and Naturgy on one side and Hunosa, Nortegás and Duro Felguera on the other to support regional production and consumption.
investment
The plan lays out 107 measures, 46 more than the initial version. It estimates that as many as 500,000 jobs could be created and that about 294 billion euros could be mobilized, with roughly 85 percent from private sources and 15 percent from public funds, including European contributions. The Sánchez government is seeking approximately 57 billion euros more in investments from companies, especially electricity providers, than was included in the previous plan.