Report on the evolution of renewable energy generation Peninsular electricity system. June 2023

By Rafael Salas and Miguel Sebastián

In 2023, several records of renewable generation have been registered in Spain. This fact is significant due to the multiple benefits associated with energy generation, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening energy security, and job creation in the renewable energy sector. Additionally, renewable technology has the potential to lower electricity prices as the marginal supply costs decrease.

This is a quarterly report that we start in June 2023.

Summary:

Renewable power.
Photovoltaic power generation.
Wind power generation.
Hydroelectric power generation.
Pumping hydro power generation

Data:

REData, REE (www.ree.es)
Peninsular System
Definite data 1-1-22 to 30-06-22
Provisional data 1-1-23 to 31-5-23
Programmed data 1-6-23 to 30-6-23

Graph 1:Monthly evolution of renewable power generation

An increase of renewable power generation of all months of 2023, increasing to 59% of total generation in January (64% of total demand).

Graph 2:Year-to-date evolution of renewable power generation

As of June 2023, there has been a cumulative renewable power generation increase of 15.3% and it accounts for 53% of total generation.
Renewable power generation is expected to exceed 50% by the end of the year, according to predictions by the Spanish Electricity Grid Operator (REE)
It accounts for around 60% of total demand.

Graph 3:12-month-to-date evolution of renewable power generation

On a 12-month basis, the renewable energy sources continue to steadily maintain an increasing trend in the Spanish energy mix.

Graph 4:Percentage of total demand

Total share of demand exceeds the share of generation, primarily due to the existence of positive net exports and pumping consumption. See Appendix for net exports.

Graph 5: Monthly evolution of photovoltaic power generation

In 2023, there has been a continuous growth in photovoltaic power generation, with an increase up to 19% of total generation in May and June (21% and 20% of total demand, respectively). In April, it accounted for 21.6% of total demand.
Photovoltaic power generation has become the second-largest source of electricity production in June 2023, surpassing wind power generation (details provided below).
The reason is the increase around 4.000 MW of installed power in a year as shown in the Appendix.

Graph 6: Year-to-date evolution of photovoltaic power generation

As of June 2023, there has been a cumulative increase of 32.9% in photovoltaic power generation.

Graph 7: 12-month-to-date evolution of photovoltaic power generation

On a 12-month basis, photovoltaic power generation continues to steadily increase.

Graph 8: Percentage of total demand

Graph 9:Monthly evolution of wind power generation

In June 2023, there was a decrease in wind power generation due to lower-than-normal wind conditions.

Graph 10:Year-to-date evolution of wind power generation

As of June 2023, there has been a moderate cumulative increase of 5.2% in wind power generation.

Graph 11:12-month-to-date evolution of wind power generation

Wind power generation continues to steadily maintain its position as the primary source of power generation in the Spanish electricity mix.

Graph 12:Monthly evolution of hydro power generation

In June 2023, hydro power generation experienced an increase due to higher-than-normal precipitation levels from mid-May onwards. This is in contrast with the reduction observed last year due to existing drought conditions.

Graph 13:Year-to-date evolution of hydro power generation

As of June 2023, there has been a cumulative increase of 32.3% in hydroelectric power generation. This is attributed to a more favorable hydraulic year compared to the previous year.

Graph 14:12-month-to-date evolution of hydro power generation

Graph 15:Monthly evolution of pumping power generation

In 2023, there has been a significant increase in pumping hydro power generation.
This growth can be attributed to the increased need for storage capacity to accommodate the surplus generation from solar and wind sources.

Graph 16:Year-to-date evolution of pumping power generation

As of June 2023, there has been a substantial cumulative increase of 61.8% in pumping power generation.

Graph 17:12-month-to-date evolution of pumping power generation

On a 12-month basis, pumping power generation has now emerged as the fourth renewable source of power in the Spanish energy mix, surpassing thermal solar and biomass. It follows wind, photovoltaic solar, and regular hydro power in terms of contribution o the Spanish mix

Appendix 1: Photovoltaic installed capacityImage