In a bold move to combat climate change, Spain is planning to dramatically raise its 2030 targets for biogas and green hydrogen production, according to a draft of the energy ministry’s updated climate strategy. The new plan illustrates an intensified commitment to renewable energy and aggressive climate goals, expanding the scope beyond initial expectations.
Stronger Ambitions for Green Hydrogen and Biogas
The updated plan raises the 2030 target for electrolyzers, a key technology for green hydrogen production, to 11 gigawatts (GW), a significant leap from the previous target of 4 GW. Green hydrogen, a renewable energy source that uses electrolyzers powered by renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, is expected to play a critical role in the global energy transition.
In addition to green hydrogen, the Spanish government has also revealed an ambitious plan to double the target for biogas production to 20 terawatt-hours (TWh). Biogas, primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide, is typically generated from organic waste and is a sustainable alternative to natural gas.
Enhanced Solar and Wind Power Goals
Spain’s heightened climate ambitions extend across various renewable energy sectors. The draft plan enhances targets for wind generation capacity to 62 GW, a significant increase from the earlier target of 50 GW. Simultaneously, it elevates the goal for photovoltaic generation capacity to around 76 GW and power storage capacity to 22 GW. These revised targets represent Spain’s commitment to harnessing its abundant solar and wind resources.
Stricter Emissions Reduction Target
As part of its comprehensive climate strategy, Madrid has set a 2030 goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32% from the 1990 level, marking a significant increase from the previous target of 23%. This robust commitment reflects the country’s determination to make substantial progress in mitigating climate change.
Spain’s Climate Plan in the Political Landscape
These energy goals emerge as a heated topic in Spain’s political arena ahead of the upcoming national elections. The opposition People’s Party (PP) is pushing to extend the lifespan of its nuclear plants, suggesting diverging energy perspectives.
The spokesperson for the Energy Ministry declined to comment on the draft plan, which may still be subject to amendments. Spain, alongside its European peers, faces a deadline at the end of June to submit the draft updated plan to the European Commission. The final text is due by June next year.
