National electricity demand rose by 1.5% in December compared to the same month last year, after adjusting for the effects of temperatures and working patterns. This represents an estimated gross demand of 21,473 GWh, 1.4% higher than in December 2023.

In the aggregate for 2024, Spain recorded a total demand of 247,038 GWh, 0.8% higher than in the same period of 2023. After adjusting for the effects of working patterns and temperatures, demand was 1.4% higher compared to the previous year.

This December, renewables generated 10,798 GWh, accounting for 47.6% of the total. 67.1% of the electricity produced was generated without emitting any CO2 equivalent.

The leading source of electricity generation for the month was once again wind power, with a share of 23.1%. It was followed by the combined cycle (22.6%), nuclear power (18.7%), and hydroelectric power generation, which contributed 11.2% of the total. On the other hand, solar photovoltaic energy grew by 30.6% in December, accounting for 10.8% of the energy mix.

In total for 2024, renewables accounted for 55.8% of Spain's total energy mix. This figure is in line with the year-end estimates published by Red Eléctrica.

Peninsular demand in December

Peninsular demand was 1.3% higher than in December 2023 after adjusting for the effects of working patterns and temperatures. Gross demand for this month was 20,225 GWh, a 1.2% increase compared to the same month last year.

In the aggregate for this year, demand in the Peninsula stood at 231,808 GWh, 0.8% higher than that recorded in 2023. After adjusting for the effects of working patterns and temperatures, demand in the Peninsula was 1.4% higher compared to the previous year.

Total generation from renewable energy on the Peninsula this December reached 10,631 GWh, with a share of 49.5% of total Peninsular production. Emission-free technologies accounted for 70% of the total.

The peninsular generation structure for December was also led by wind power, which accounted for 23.9% of the total. It was followed by the combined cycle with 20.7%, nuclear power with 19.7%, and hydroelectric power generation, which represented 11.8% of the total.

The electricity system in the Balearic and Canary Islands

In the Balearic Islands, electricity demand in December was 5.3% higher than in the same month in 2023, after adjusting for the effects of working patterns and temperatures. Gross demand is estimated at 454,421 MWh, 8.5% higher than in December of last year. In the aggregate for 2024, gross demand in the Balearic Islands is estimated at 6,027,107 MWh, 0.4% higher than in 2023. After adjusting for the effects of working patterns and temperatures, demand in the Balearic Islands in 2024 was 1.6% higher than the previous year.

In terms of electricity generation, the combined cycle—which accounted for 77.9% of the energy produced in the Balearic Islands—was the leading source this month. Meanwhile, renewable energy generation in the Balearic Islands accounted for 10.3% of the total. Renewable generation in the Balearic Islands grew by 19.8% in December compared to the same month last year.

Additionally, this December, the submarine link between the Peninsula and Mallorca helped cover 17.2% of the Balearic Islands' electricity demand.

Meanwhile, in the Canary Islands, electricity demand rose by 3.1% compared to the same month in 2023, after adjusting for the effects of working patterns and temperatures. Gross demand was 760,267 MWh, representing a 3.6% increase. In total for 2024, demand in the Canary Islands was estimated at 8,811,286 MWh, 0.6% higher than in the same period of 2023. After adjusting for the effects of working patterns and temperatures, demand in the Canary Islands in 2024 was 1% higher compared to the previous year.

In terms of electricity generation in the Canary Islands, the combined cycle, was also the leading source in December—with 51.8% of the total. Renewables accounted for 16.8% of electricity generation, producing 128,068 MWh, a 33% increase compared to the same month last year. Wind power contributed 13.2% of total electricity generation this month.

Please see our Daily balance report for further information on the national, peninsular, Balearic Islands, and Canary Islands electricity systems up to the end of December.