Spain’s electricity demand increased 2.4% in August 2026 compared with the same month last year after adjusting for temperature and working-day effects, according to available data, energynews.pro reported.

In unadjusted terms, national electricity demand stood at 23,137 GWh, representing a 3.7% increase from August 2025. Electricity generated by self-consumption installations is estimated at around 1,600 GWh during the month based on data available so far. 

During the first eight months of 2026, Spain’s total electricity demand reached 175,858 GWh, up 2.8% year-on-year. After accounting for temperature and working-day variations, the increase stood at 1.7%.

The rise in demand comes alongside continued growth in solar capacity across European markets.

Renewable energy generation in Spain increased 11% from August 2025 to 13,640 GWh, giving renewables a 53.6% share of the country’s electricity generation mix.

Solar photovoltaic remained Spain’s largest source of electricity generation for the fifth consecutive month. PV generation increased 27.5% year-on-year to 7,445 GWh, representing 29.2% of the total generation mix.

Solar PV also recorded a new daily production high on August 5, when it generated 281.2 GWh in a single day.

Combined-cycle gas plants accounted for 20.7% of electricity generation in August, making them the second-largest source. Nuclear power followed with 18.6%, while wind accounted for 13.3% and hydropower for 6.9%.

Overall, 72.2% of Spain’s electricity generation during the month came from carbon-free sources. The volume of carbon-free electricity increased 8.2% compared with August 2025.

When generation from self-consumption installations is included, the estimated contribution of renewable sources to Spain’s electricity mix rises to 55.1% in August.

Spain also used energy storage and pumped-hydro facilities to integrate more renewable electricity into the grid.

A total of 954 GWh was incorporated into the electricity system through battery storage and pumped hydro during August. These flexibility resources help absorb excess renewable generation and reduce the amount of electricity that would otherwise remain unused.

The growing contribution of solar power, alongside increased use of storage technologies, is supporting Spain’s continuing shift towards a more renewable and decarbonised electricity system.