July 21, 2025

Catalonia and renewable energy: far from the 50% target by 2030

In 2024, only 19% of the electricity generated in Catalonia came from renewable sources—far below the 50% goal set by the EU and Catalonia’s own Proencat plan for 2030. This is the warning from the latest report by the Observatori de les Energies Renovables de Catalunya (OBERCat), which points to slow bureaucracy and a lack of incentives as the main barriers.

Renewable energy in Catalonia: a deployment that’s too slow

  • Nuclear energy: Nearly 50% of total generation

  • Fossil fuels (cogeneration and combined cycle): ~18%

  • Hydropower: 8%

  • Wind: 6.4%, with no new projects approved in 2024

  • Solar: 1%, with almost no growth

Adding to this is a concerning figure: 15% of the electricity consumed in Catalonia was imported, mostly from France and other Spanish regions. This raises questions about energy sovereignty and undermines the resilience of Catalonia’s electricity system.

Why are we not moving forward?

According to OBERCat, bureaucracy is the main bottleneck:

  • Solar projects take over 800 days to process

  • Wind farms exceed 1,000 days

  • Fees are up to four times higher than in regions like Andalusia or Castilla y León

  • Small-scale projects are being sidelined in favor of large developers

The lack of administrative agility, combined with the end of EU subsidies like Next Generation funds, is discouraging new self-consumption installations. In fact, 41% fewer rooftop solar panels were installed in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Even more concerning: Catalonia still has no approved energy storage projects, unlike other Spanish regions that are already moving forward. The report notes that after the April blackout, project applications surged—but not one has been approved yet.

What’s at stake?

The current situation slows down the energy transition, puts climate commitments at risk, and keeps Catalonia tied to a dependent, polluting, and uncompetitive model.

The absence of storage systems worsens the problem. Following the major blackout in April 2024 (read more here), battery project applications increased—but none have been approved. Meanwhile, other regions and countries already have active installations.

What can you do as a business?

At Wegsco, we support SMEs and industries in advancing toward energy sustainability:

  • Installing solar self-consumption systems, even in shared energy communities

  • Choosing sustainable materials (like Solubag or circular packaging)

  • Optimizing energy use and planning storage solutions

And as a citizen?

  • Reduce fossil fuel use with efficient, responsible habits

  • Choose 100% renewable energy contracts

  • Support local clean energy projects and demand more ambitious policies

Conclusion: it’s not just a challenge—it’s a shared responsibility

Catalonia is far from meeting its 2030 energy goals. But beyond the numbers, this situation reveals the urgent need for a real energy transition—one that combines administrative efficiency, support for self-consumption, and fair, decentralized models.

At Wegsco, we help businesses move toward a low-emission economy through circular solutions, innovative materials, and responsible energy.

Want to take action? Contact us and discover how to accelerate sustainability in your work.