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Andalucía is charging ahead as Spain’s top region for renewable energy growth, breaking records and setting ambitious new targets. According to Jorge Paradela, the Regional Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mines, Andalucía currently has 920 photovoltaic (a technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity) solar projects and 64 wind schemes in the pipeline, underlining its role as a green energy powerhouse. Over the past year alone, the region installed an impressive 3,607 MW of new renewable capacity, pushing its total clean electricity generation capacity up to 69% - a huge leap and a record annual increase of 29%.

 

This rapid expansion is backed by a significant investment of €3.625 billion and has helped create 10,800 jobs throughout the region. Andalucía also revised its 2030 goals, with plans to hit 20,000 MW of installed renewable capacity by the end of 2026. So far, 65% of this green power comes from photovoltaic solar alone, which dominates the landscape and is responsible for nearly all recent growth. In fact, the region installed 1,600 MW of photovoltaic capacity just in the first six months of 2025, bringing the total solar tech capacity to over 10,400 MW.

 

Solar thermal power also plays an important role, with nearly 1,000 MW installed across 24 plants, making solar energy the unquestioned leader in Andalucía’s renewable mix. Wind farms contribute 3,705 MW, hydroelectric plants provide 639 MW, while biomass, biogas, and ocean thermal power make up smaller shares of the total capacity.

 

While there’s plenty of progress, not every project makes the cut. Thirty-five per cent of pipeline applications were rejected last year for not meeting legal requirements, showing that quality still comes first.

 

Andalucía’s leadership in renewables is evident beyond its borders too. It accounts for 26.7% of Spain’s total photovoltaic capacity and is the top region for solar power generation, producing about 2,300 GWh - the highest in the country. Wind power growth is slower by comparison, reflecting the region’s focus on solar.

 

The growth is not only about numbers. Paradela highlights Andalucía’s role in the energy transition, including investments in green hydrogen and biogas projects, and emphasizes the region's aim to develop into the energy hub of Southern Europe. The push for renewables is driving both economic growth and environmental progress in this sunny corner of Spain.

 

With vast sunny days, strong industrial investment, and ambitious planning, Andalucía is clearly setting an example, showing how a region can harness green energy to create jobs, boost the economy, and slash emissions all at once.

 

 

Image: Sebastian Ganso