Spain avoided approximately USD 26 billion in natural gas import costs between 2011 and 2024 through the large-scale expansion of solar and wind power.
Renewables.az reports, citing the International Energy Agency (IEA), that the findings were published in its energy policy review released on November 5.
According to the Agency's assessment, without the expansion of renewable energy capacity, Spain's natural gas import requirements for electricity generation would have been nearly 40% higher in 2024.
The report highlights that the share of renewables in Spain's electricity generation increased from 35% in 2015 to 56% in 2025. Over the same period, greenhouse gas emissions declined by approximately 20%.
The IEA notes that renewable energy development has helped Spain reduce its dependence on imported fuels, lower wholesale electricity prices, and strengthen energy security.
Nevertheless, energy imports still accounted for nearly 70% of Spain's total energy consumption in 2024. The Agency emphasizes the importance of accelerating electrification across transport, buildings, and industry to further reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Electricity currently represents only 25% of Spain's final energy consumption, while the country aims to increase this share to 35% by 2030.
The IEA also recommends modernizing electricity grids, expanding energy storage capacity, and improving power system flexibility to support the continued integration of renewable energy.
