Spain faces delays in meeting energy and decarbonization targets

Spain is facing challenges in meeting its energy and decarbonization targets. According to a report by EY presented by the Naturgy Foundation, progress on the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) is slower than anticipated. Key issues include energy efficiency falling behind targets due to a 16% increase in petroleum product consumption, and renewable energy lagging six percentage points behind the 2025 milestone.

Furthermore, renewable electricity production is estimated to be 20% lower than PNIEC projections per gigawatt. Hydrogen development remains minimal, with less than 2% of the 12 GW target currently operational or under construction. Energy dependency in Spain also remains high at 68%, compared to the 50% goal set for 2030.

In the real estate sector, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) will impose stricter standards. By 2030, non-residential buildings must meet specific energy consumption thresholds to move toward a zero-emission building stock by 2050. These requirements will transition from generic efficiency claims to measurable numerical indicators (kWh/m²·year), forcing the tertiary sector to adapt to new regulatory limits.