Spain unveils new climate emergency plan

September 06, 2025

Spain has rolled out a sweeping climate emergency strategy aimed at tightening corporate climate reporting, boosting renewable energy, and protecting its economy from escalating climate risks. The plan follows a summer of devastating wildfires that scorched more than 300,000 hectares, underscoring the urgency of action.

Mandatory Carbon Reporting for Businesses

A cornerstone of the plan is the mandatory disclosure of carbon emissions:

• Starting in 2026, companies must report on 2025 Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
• From 2028, large corporations will also need to disclose Scope 3 emissions across their value chains.
• All businesses must submit greenhouse gas reduction strategies with five-year horizons beginning in 2026.

The government stressed that “engagement this year is critical,” since reporting requirements apply retroactively to 2025 performance.

New institutions and climate adaptation

The climate plan goes beyond corporate accountability by reshaping national resilience:

• Creation of a State Agency for Civil Protection and Emergencies with permanent staff.
• Development of a national network of climate refuges to protect vulnerable populations.
• Tougher forest management rules to curb wildfire risks.
• Stricter construction limits in high-risk zones, redefining land-use and housing policy.

Scaling up renewable energy

Spain is accelerating its clean energy transition with ambitious targets:

• Over 5 GW of solar projects have already entered permitting in 2025.
• To meet 2030 goals, the country needs an additional 21,368 MW of solar capacity.
• Plans include 12 GW of hydrogen electrolysers by 2030, representing 20% of EU green hydrogen projects.

By 2030, Spain expects:

• 81% of electricity generation from renewables.
• A 32% cut in greenhouse gas emissions compared to baseline levels.
• By 2050, the target is 100% renewable electricity and 97% renewable in the total energy mix.

Already, more than 50% of Spain’s electricity comes from clean energy sources.

Economic stakes and opportunities

Climate-related disasters have cost Spain €32 billion over the past five years. At the same time, the government views its climate agenda as a growth engine, with nearly $32 billion in clean technology investments already mobilized under its recovery plan.

For companies, this means adapting quickly to a regulatory environment that prioritizes sustainability, while seizing opportunities in one of Europe’s most ambitious decarbonization markets.