The National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (NIECP) is a strategic plan that establishes Spain’s policies and objectives in relation to energy and climate. It is a fundamental instrument for the implementation of the country’s energy and climate policy in line with the international commitments made by Spain in the Paris Agreement.
PURPOSES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NIECP
This plan was approved on 16 March 2021 by the Council of Ministers, with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The measures in this plan affect different sectors such as renewable energies, transport and industry.
Among the key purposes and functions of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan we can highlight the following:
- The transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy, encouraging the development and use of renewable energies such as solar, wind and biomass.
- Improving energy efficiency in all sectors of the economy, including industry, transport, buildings and energy consumption in general.
- Seek to ensure compliance with Spain’s international commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change.
- To boost employment opportunities in sectors related to renewables, energy efficiency and clean technology.
- Strengthen Spain’s energy security, diversifying the energy matrix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Currently, the Government has released a draft of the new measures of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan 2023-2030, where it is expected that by 2030: 62 GW of wind power installed, 76 GW of photovoltaic, 4.8 GW of solar thermal, 1.4 GW of biomass and 22 GW of storage will be reached.
In this way, it aims for 105 GW of new renewables in the decade and 22 GW of energy storage by 2030, with a definitive phase-out of coal being brought forward.
In short, this plan seeks to address multiple interrelated challenges of mitigating climate change, transitioning to cleaner energy, promoting energy efficiency and generating sustainable jobs.