Over the past decade, Spain has achieved what once seemed contradictory: economic growth alongside a steady decline in CO₂ emissions. The official data shows that the country has made progress in “decoupling” gross domestic product (GDP) growth from greenhouse-gas output, fueled by the boom in renewables, greater energy efficiency, and a structural shift toward cleaner industries.
According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE) and the European Environment Agency, Spain’s GDP grew from just over 1 trillion euros in 2013 to nearly 1.5 trillion euros in 2023—an increase of about 45%. In that same period, greenhouse-gas emissions fell from roughly 312 million metric tons of CO₂ to about 288 million, an 8% drop.
But the most significant improvement is in carbon intensity. Since 2008, Spain has reduced greenhouse-gas emissions per euro of output by 41%. In short, the Spanish economy is producing more wealth with a smaller environmental footprint.
Sustained growth, controlled emissions
The past five years clearly illustrate this shift. In 2019, before the pandemic, Spain emitted around 284 million tons of CO₂ equivalent, with a GDP of 1.25 trillion euros. According to the INE, the 2020 lockdown halted economic activity, cutting emissions to 230 million tons. As the economy recovered, emissions rose again—to about 295 million in 2021 and 304 million in 2022.
However, 2023 marked a turning point: while GDP grew by 2.5%, to a record high, emissions were reduced by 5.5% compared to the previous year. It was clear proof that Spain can continue to grow without increasing its climate footprint.
Clean energy and efficiency drive the shift
This progress is no accident. Over the past decade, Spain has accelerated its energy transition, steadily replacing coal-fired generation with renewables. Wind and solar power now form the backbone of the national grid, and clean energy accounts for more than half of total electricity production, according to Red Eléctrica.
Energy efficiency has also improved, while the economy has evolved: services, technology, and innovation now outweigh more carbon-intensive industries. Heavy industry and freight transport are still facing major challenges in decarbonization. Because they are difficult to electrify, progress has been slower—but both are moving toward more sustainable processes through the use of biofuels, green hydrogen, and alternative energy sources.
Public action has also been crucial. The National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) and the European Union’s Next Generation EU funds have steered investment toward sustainable mobility, energy-efficient building renovation, and transport electrification. In addition to channeling investments, the PNIEC also establishes a clear roadmap with specific goals and integrated policies covering the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions, expansion of renewable energy, improvements in energy efficiency, energy-supply security and accessibility, and the promotion of technological innovation and green-job creation.
A path with ups and downs, but a clear direction
Although emissions have not declined steadily year after year—there were upticks in 2021 and 2022 linked to the post-COVID recovery—the overall trend is clear: Spain is growing more while polluting less.
The challenge now is to consolidate that progress. The Spanish economy enters the next decade committed to cutting emissions 55% by 2030 from 1990 levels and reaching climate neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, it will be essential to maintain investment in innovation and accelerate measures to boost efficiency, self-consumption, and the deployment of new clean technologies.
The future: more economy, less carbon
At the European level, Spain leads in solar-energy deployment, with a year-on-year growth of 23% in 2024, surpassing countries like France and Italy and ranking second only to Germany in generation. While the European Union average covers 11% of electricity demand with solar power, Spain reaches 24%. In 2024, 56.8% of Spain’s electricity came from renewable sources, compared with an EU average of 47%, according to Eurostat.
Spain is becoming a European example of how economic growth does not have to come at the expense of sustainability. A combination of public policy, corporate commitment, and energy transformation is beginning to deliver measurable results.