Spain’s government has authorized the construction of nearly 300 renewable energy projects with a total capacity of more than 28 gigawatts (GW), which will help the Iberian state meet its ambitious climate goals, reports Reuters.

According to Monday’s press release from the Ministry of Energy in Madrid, the projects target photovoltaic plants, 43 wind farms and a hydro plant. The combined value of the investment exceeds 17 billion euros (18.4 billion dollars), according to Agerpres.

Taking advantage of sunny plains, hills where strong winds blow and fast-flowing rivers, by 2030 Spain aims for the share of renewable energy to reach 81% of the total, compared to around 50% at present.

Data recently published by grid operator Redeia show that Spain generated almost 60% of its electricity from renewable energy sources in the first half of 2024, thanks to new solar capacities and increased hydropower production.

Renewables were responsible for 51% of the total a year ago.

Wind farms generated 24.4% of the total, up from 24.1% a year ago, and solar generated 16.3% of the total, up from 13.8%, while hydro was responsible for 15.9%, from 9.8%, according to Redeia data.

The main source of non-renewable electricity is nuclear energy, which produced 18.6% of electricity in the first semester. The data shows that Spain is approaching the goal of generating 80% of its energy without carbon dioxide emissions.