Spain’s Fossil Gas Trap: Dependency, Economic Volatility, and the Environmental Cost

A new report from the Gas No Es Solución network—a coalition including Greenpeace—has issued a stark warning regarding Spain’s energy trajectory. The “Critical Yearbook of Fossil Gas in the Spanish State” reveals that instead of transitioning toward renewable independence, the nation has deepened its reliance on fossil fuels, merely swapping one geopolitical dependency for another.

The findings suggest that Spain’s current energy model is characterized by increasing consumption, rising emissions, and significant economic risks for consumers. As the country navigates the aftermath of recent energy disruptions, the report argues that the current path reinforces a fossil-fuel-driven model fueled by corporate and geopolitical interests rather than a genuine green transition.

A Shift in Dependency: From Russia to the United States

One of the most significant findings in the report is the dramatic shift in Spain’s gas suppliers. Following the geopolitical shifts that moved the market away from Russian supplies, the United States has emerged as a dominant provider. In 2025, the U.S. Became Spain’s second-largest supplier of fossil gas, trailing only Algeria.

However, this shift comes with environmental caveats. The report notes that 100% of the gas imported from the United States in 2025 originated from terminals in the Gulf of Mexico linked to fracking. This extraction method, which is prohibited in Spanish territory due to its severe environmental and social impacts, remains the backbone of the new supply chain. The report identifies several major corporations and financial institutions—including Naturgy, Endesa, Repsol, Santander, BBVA, and La Caixa—as being deeply integrated into this model.

The Economic and Environmental Toll

The reliance on gas is not only an environmental issue but a growing economic burden. According to the analysis, gas consumption in Spain rose by 6.2% in 2025 compared to the previous year. This increase has had a direct impact on the electrical system, where emissions rose by 16%.

The report highlights the volatility of this model by pointing to the energy disruptions on April 28, 2025. Following this event, the activation of “reinforced market” measures led to a 39% increase in electricity generation via gas-fired combined cycles compared to the previous year. For the average consumer, this volatility translates into massive costs, with estimated overcharges ranging between 422 million and 1.5 billion euros.

Methane Leaks and Regulatory Gaps

Beyond direct consumption, the report raises alarms regarding methane leakage. As Spain increases imports from the U.S. And Algeria, the associated methane leaks have seen an upward trend between 2024 and 2025. This underscores the urgent need for the full implementation of the European Methane Regulation (EUMR). The network is calling for a public registry to ensure total traceability, documenting the origin of every shipment, the methane intensity of providers, and the results of independent audits.

Infrastructure Oversizing and “False Solutions”

The report also critiques the strategic planning of gas infrastructure. A primary example cited is the El Musel regasification plant in Gijón. While marketed as a strategic hub for European energy security, the report claims the facility has functioned largely as a conduit for the domestic market, with more than 80% of the gas discharged being consumed internally. 35 of the 36 tankers received at the plant originated from the United States.

The network warns against the promotion of “false solutions” such as biogas and biomethane. Without strict regulatory criteria, these alternatives risk becoming “greenwashing” mechanisms that extend the lifespan of the existing gas network. To prevent this, the report suggests that:

• Biomethane must be restricted to sectors that are hard to electrify.
• Strict “Excellence Seals” must be implemented to exclude macro-farms and energy crops.
• Public financing should be contingent on meeting rigorous, independent audit standards.

Key Takeaways: The Path Forward

• Increased Dependency: Spain has replaced Russian gas with U.S. Fracking-derived gas, maintaining a fossil-fuel-centric model.
• Economic Volatility: Recent energy disruptions and the reliance on gas-fired generation have led to significant cost increases for consumers.
• Emissions Growth: Electricity system emissions rose by 16% in 2025 due to increased gas use.
• Infrastructure Risks: Large-scale regasification projects may be overdimensioned for their intended strategic roles.

In light of these findings, the Gas No Es Solución network is calling for an immediate halt to new gas infrastructure investments, a ban on fracking-derived gas imports, and a decisive roadmap to phase out fossil gas from the Spanish energy system by 2035.