Spain's July 2026 electricity demand hits second‑highest as solar generation sets record

In July 2026 Spain’s national electricity demand reached 25.144 GWh, 6.9 % higher than July 2025 and 3.5 % above the previous year after adjusting for temperature and labour effects. This makes it the second‑largest monthly demand on record since January 2008, driven by an unprecedented heat wave that spurred extensive air‑conditioning use.

Renewable generation also hit new highs. The mix produced 14.699 GWh of renewable electricity, accounting for 54 % of total output. Solar photovoltaic led for the fourth consecutive month, delivering 7.696 GWh (28.3 % of the mix) and setting a daily record of 259 GWh on 1 August. Despite the solar surge, average wholesale electricity prices stayed above €100 /MWh, reflecting tight gas markets and lower wind output.

Battery and pumped‑hydro storage contributed 906 GWh of energy to the grid, of which 510 GWh was re‑injected, while self‑consumption installations generated about 1.654 GWh, representing roughly 6.5 % of total demand. Overall, 72.4 % of the electricity produced in July was CO₂‑free.