Spain increases gas consumption after major power outage

In recent months, Spain has ramped up gas burning for producing electricity. The country's energy system became more reliant on traditional power generation methods following a large-scale blackout on April 28. This was reported on Tuesday by gas grid operator, Enagas.

Traditional power plants, such as combined cycle gas plants, provide a more stable grid voltage compared to renewable sources like wind and solar generators. As a result, Spain's total gas consumption increased by 5.6% in the first half of the year, while demand for the fuel in electricity production surged by 41.2%, Enagas stated.

Gas exports abroad, particularly to France, also rose during this period. Spain itself does not produce natural gas but re-exports it to other European countries, receiving shipments from the US, Qatar, and Russia.

According to Enagas CEO, Spain's underground gas storage facilities are more than 75% full, which is above the European Commission's mandatory minimum level of 64% for July 2025.