Renewable energy auctions accelerate decarbonization across Europe
Renewable energy auction calendars are speeding up the shift away from fossil fuels and helping to address the energy crisis. A new phase restarts on October 25, with a total of 520 MW to be allocated in two quotas. The call reserves 220 MW for solar thermal, biomass, and other technologies, and 140 MW for distributed photovoltaic projects from plants under 5 MW with a local, community-based character. The framework emphasizes more flexible criteria to support social inclusion. Special support for self-consumption models enables higher efficiency by reducing network infrastructure and losses because consumers are closer to the point of generation. The government notes that democratizing the electrical system is essential, inviting citizen participation alongside small and medium-sized enterprises and local organizations in deploying renewable technologies. A forthcoming proposal for November 22 aims to reserve 1,800 MW for photovoltaic and 1,500 MW for wind. This future production is expected to save roughly 2.9% of the country’s annual gas consumption.
Beyond new projects, the current phase also welcomes expansion and hybridization projects that combine different energy sources using existing installations. The price remains undisclosed, though earlier auctions tended to price below wholesale market levels. While the terms of the fourth renewable energy tender under the current legislature are still being finalized, interest appears strong among potential bidders. Collectively, wind and solar portfolios total about 144,600 MW connected but not yet installed. In wind power, the portfolio exceeds 42,000 MW, with Galicia accounting for nearly a quarter of that total.
As of August 31, 3,771 MW of wind farms were operating in the community. With authorized receipt and pending commissioning, another 9,206 MW were in the pipeline, about 300 MW more than in June, according to Redeia, formerly Red Eléctrica de España. Access and connection licenses are issued by the transmission operator based on two factors: the capacity at the node where the developer wants to inject production, and whether a nearby substation exists or is planned as part of the electrical infrastructure.
The regions with the largest wind capacity are Catalonia with 7,700 MW (guaranteed connection) and Castile and León with 6,800 MW. Aragon (3,600 MW), the Basque Country (3,400 MW), and the Community of Valencia (3,300 MW) also show strong activity.
The wind potential in Galicia is expected to rise as connection permits are reviewed. Projects in motion add up to 2,070 MW, bringing the statewide total close to 10,000 MW. An additional 2,812 MW in Galicia (24,800 MW nationwide) did not pass screening and failed to meet requirements. Denials have risen by 17% over the last two months, according to Redeia’s latest balance.
In response to the widespread expiration of many wind park connection authorizations that lingered for years, the government decided in December 2021 to extend deadlines. The aim was to avoid bottlenecks and keep projects connected to the grid. The council approved a nine-month extension, but that period has now ended. Galicia has accumulated about 300 wind farm files with a total capacity of 7,200 MW. Final approvals are gradually emerging after a long lull, while a moratorium on project submissions by district authorities has been eased. The regional government has debated streamlining processes for wind farms deemed strategic, a point of ongoing regulatory reform pushed by the Galician administration. Some regional voices, however, dispute the broader intent of canceling proposals for parks larger than 50 MW, a move tied to the Ministry of Ecological Transition.
Renewable momentum reaches the European Parliament and boosts government targets
Policy makers feel a strong pull to accelerate the carbon-free transition to protect the climate, ensure energy security, and cushion the impacts of extreme heat and drought. Under the European Green Deal, the aim is climate neutrality by 2050. The 2030 target envisions a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030. The plan includes a deep review of climate, energy, and transport legislation to align with this trajectory.
Today, the European Parliament is reviewing a proposal to amend the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Directive. Key milestones include a commitment to cut energy demand by 40% compared with 2007 levels and to raise the share of clean energy in total consumption from 32% to 45%. Biomass plants supporting forest management—an example in Galicia—will retain public support and further steps will be taken to combat energy poverty.
The national plan, PNIEC 2021-2030, is being updated to reflect the new EU targets, including adjustments to emissions, consumption, and quotas for sustainable technologies in light of the REPower EU Plan and the shift away from imported gas and oil. The deadline for project submissions remains open through Thursday.
More wind capacity commissioned across the region last year
Last year, Spain overall saw 842.61 MW of wind capacity brought online, a figure viewed as a positive indicator by the Wind Energy Association. While this falls short of the roughly 2,200 MW needed annually to meet PNIEC goals in the coming decade, industry players believe that the two government tenders held in January and October 2021, along with ongoing project planning, will keep momentum strong in the years ahead. Optimists envisage the next decade delivering steady growth in installation activity.
Galicia does not top the regional list for new wind capacity this year, but Aragón, Castile and León, and Asturias are leading the expansion. Galicia completed 68.9 MW in the period, bringing its total wind capacity to 3,866.64 MW across 182 parks. Wind energy remains a major contributor to regional electricity supply, supplying a significant share of residential and industrial demand.
Wind development continues to be a central narrative in Galicia and across Spain, with wind power often ranking among the top electricity sources for regional demand. The overall trend points to stronger deployment of wind energy as part of a broader shift toward renewable power and energy independence.