Spanish Nuclear Plants: 19% Electricity Generation in 2025
- Spain’s nuclear power plants generated more than 19% of the country’s electricity in 2025, a contribution that remains significant even as renewable energy sources continue to expand, according...
- Overall electricity demand in Spain continued to rise in 2025, increasing by 2.6% compared to 2024.
- Wind power remains the leading source of electricity generation in Spain, holding that position for the third consecutive year.
Spain’s nuclear power plants generated more than 19% of the country’s electricity in , a contribution that remains significant even as renewable energy sources continue to expand, according to recent data. This figure underscores the continued, albeit diminishing, role of nuclear power in Spain’s energy mix as the nation navigates its energy transition.
Overall electricity demand in Spain continued to rise in , increasing by 2.6% compared to . Adjusting for working patterns and temperatures, the increase was 1.4%. Total demand is estimated at approximately 256 terawatt-hours (TWh), nearing pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, even when accounting for self-consumption from installations like rooftop solar panels. This growth in demand is occurring alongside a substantial increase in renewable energy generation.
Wind power remains the leading source of electricity generation in Spain, holding that position for the third consecutive year. However, solar photovoltaic (PV) is rapidly gaining ground, reaching a new annual record and pushing the overall share of renewable energies to 56% – rising to 57% when including self-consumption. This demonstrates a clear trend towards decarbonization of the Spanish electricity sector.
Despite the growth of renewables, nuclear power’s 19% share of generation in highlights its ongoing importance as a stable, baseload power source. Spain currently operates seven nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 7,123 megawatts (MWe). This capacity represents approximately 7.1 gigawatts (GW) of installed power. The country’s total installed capacity at the end of was 129 GW.
However, Spain is committed to a phased shutdown of its nuclear fleet by . The first reactor is scheduled to be decommissioned in . This policy has faced some recent scrutiny, with parliamentary and industry initiatives in calling for a reconsideration of the timetable, reflecting concerns about energy security and the pace of renewable energy deployment. The debate centers on balancing long-term decarbonization goals with the need for reliable power supply during the transition.
The peak demand on the Spanish electricity system in , reached 40,070 MW. Managing this peak demand, and ensuring grid stability, is a key challenge as the proportion of intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar increases. Spain’s electricity grid is largely separate from the wider European Union grid, with limited interconnection with France, making self-sufficiency a significant policy consideration.
Looking at the broader generation mix, nuclear power is positioned behind wind (22% share) and alongside solar PV (approximately 19%) in . Combined cycle gas plants contribute nearly 17%, followed by hydropower (12%) and cogeneration (almost 6%). Coal’s contribution continues to decline, representing only 3.5% of the total.
Globally, nuclear power generation is expected to reach a new record in and continue to rise in , driven by restarts in Japan and the commissioning of new plants elsewhere. This global trend contrasts with Spain’s planned phase-out, highlighting differing national approaches to nuclear energy. The International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that low-emissions energy sources are reaching new milestones globally.
The Iberian Peninsula, encompassing Spain and Portugal, boasts an exceptionally clean electricity mix. In Spain, renewables accounted for 60.2% of electricity production in , with nuclear contributing 20.8% and fossil fuels making up the remaining 19%. This demonstrates a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources in the region.
The interplay between rising electricity demand, the expansion of renewable energy, and the gradual phase-out of nuclear power presents a complex challenge for Spain. Maintaining a reliable and affordable electricity supply while meeting ambitious decarbonization targets will require continued investment in grid infrastructure, energy storage solutions, and potentially a re-evaluation of the nuclear phase-out timeline.