Last year, Spain relied more on gas and coal to generate electricity to meet rising demand during the energy crisis. The shift led to a disruption in the electrical system and marked a reversal from a four-year decline in CO2 emissions, with emissions persisting at elevated levels for much of the year.
Electricity producers accounted for a total of 44.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2022, a notable 24% increase from the prior year, according to data from Red Eléctrica de España (REE), the operator of the Spanish power system. While the year-end figures are not yet fully certified, the trend indicates a substantial rise in emissions during the period.
As a result, Spain interrupted its four-year emissions descent and its recent lows, which had been shaped by a steady decrease in coal use, a broad expansion of renewable energy, and lower demand during pandemic activity.
Looking ahead, the energy mix faced a push toward fossil fuels, with drought reducing hydroelectric output by about 40% from the prior year. Wind generation underperformed for several months, and electricity exports were affected. Neighboring France and Portugal also faced records and near-records in energy challenges, with a partial outage of French nuclear capacity and drought-driven drops in Portuguese hydro.
End-of-year improvement
Against this backdrop, emissions from the electricity sector were likely near pre-pandemic levels, around 50 million tonnes of CO2 for the year. A late-year surge in wind helped, while milder temperatures kept demand in check, enabling gas plants to operate far less in the final weeks.
Over the full year, utilities saw CO2 emissions rise by 24%, driven by persistent demand and higher generation from fossil fuels throughout the year.
During the summer, emissions rose sharply, peaking in July and August as gas-fired plants produced more electricity. In July alone, emissions reached 4.83 million tonnes of CO2, the highest monthly level in three years, underscoring the pressure on the system.
Gas-fired generation
Gas-fired plants increased electricity production by 53% in 2022, reaching 68,183 gigawatt hours (GWh) according to REE data. Combined cycle units emerged as the dominant technology in the country, accounting for about a quarter of all energy generated (roughly 24.7%), surpassing both nuclear and wind power.
Coal-fired plants, still in operation and facing a precarious position, raised output by 56%, to 7,797 GWh—the highest in three years. The elevated wholesale prices allowed coal to be profitable at times, keeping it part of the energy mix despite the ongoing transition toward cleaner sources.
Note: These figures reflect the evolving dynamics of Spain’s electricity system as it balances energy security, price fluctuations, and environmental targets, with attribution to REE data and ongoing monitoring by the national energy authority.