Cantabria approves its Energy Sustainability Plan 2021-2030

The Governing Council of Cantabria has approved Decree 60/2026, of August 13, which approves the Energy Sustainability Plan of Cantabria 2021-2030 (PSEC 2021-30). The regulation is published in the Official Gazette of Cantabria number 159, of August 19, 2026, and takes effect on the day of its publication.

The plan establishes the regional energy roadmap for the next decade, aligned with the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) and with European and international commitments. The document, prepared by the Directorate General of Industry, Energy and Mines as the promoting and substantive body, incorporates the determinations of the Strategic Environmental Statement formulated by the Resolution of May 16, 2025, of the Directorate General of Environment and Climate Change, published in BOC number 98, of May 23, 2025.

Objectives for 2030

The PSEC 2021-2030 seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prioritize renewables, improve energy efficiency under the “efficiency first” principle, and position citizens as active agents of the transition. Among the specific objectives for 2030, the following stand out:

Reduce energy GHG emissions by 26% compared to 1990 (26.76% of total emissions).
Achieve a 46.15% contribution of renewables in total electricity consumption.
Improve energy dependence by 21.22%, with an exchange balance of 1,473 GWh.
Return to the natural gas consumption level of 2015 and reduce the consumption of petroleum derivatives by 23.51%.

Target Scenario vs. Trend Scenario

The plan compares two scenarios. In the trend scenario, without additional measures, renewable generation would barely reach 21.81% by 2030 and emissions would be reduced by 10% compared to 2018. In the target scenario, on the other hand, renewable generation would reach 46.15%, the generation-to-demand ratio would reach 110.26%, and emissions would drop from 6,057.57 kT of CO2 equivalent (2018) to 3,634.14 kT, a 40% decrease. Natural gas consumption would drop to 4,567.76 GWh and petroleum derivatives to 350,766.45 tons.

Action Programs

The plan articulates transversal programs aimed at companies, citizens, and the administration, as well as specific actions by energy typology. For companies, lines for self-consumption, efficient energy management (ISO 50001), training, and the promotion of energy clusters are planned; for citizens, training campaigns, collective self-consumption, and renewable climate control; and for the administration, measures against energy poverty, urban mobility plans, and electric vehicle charging points. In the specific field, cogeneration, storage and green hydrogen, infrastructure, and renewable energies stand out, with scenarios contemplating up to 300 MW of onshore wind, 270 MW of photovoltaics, and 150 MW of offshore wind.

Signature and Entry into Force

The decree, signed in Santander on August 14, 2026, by President María José Sáenz de Buruaga Gómez and the Councilor for Industry, Employment, Innovation, and Commerce, Eduardo Arasti Barca, was adopted at the proposal of the latter following deliberation by the Governing Council on August 13. Energy planning is approved by decree of the Governing Council in application of the second additional provision of Law 7/2013, of November 25, which regulates wind power utilization in Cantabria.

The plan arrives at a time when Cantabria presents an energy dependency of 45.24% and renewable generation of 18.1% in 2019, well below the national average. Its fulfillment will condition the energy bill of companies, city councils, and households, the creation of employment in rural areas, and the region’s capacity to meet European and national climate commitments.

Source: Official Gazette of Cantabria, no. 159, August 19, 2026, section 1. General Provisions, page 38237 (official reference: CVE-2026-6563).