PODCAST: Blackouts, batteries and big decisions: Catalonia's energy crossroads

Catalonia is still heavily reliant on nuclear power and lags behind Spain and the EU on renewable energy

Cooling tower at the Ascó nuclear power plant
Cooling tower at the Ascó nuclear power plant / Anna Ferràs
Catalan News

Catalan News | @catalannews | Barcelona

May 29, 2026 03:41 PM

Solar, wind, fossil fuels, nuclear. Energy makes the world go round. But, on an ever-warming planet, the question of where it comes from is increasingly urgent.

As well as the green energy transition and the climate crisis, geopolitical tensions and energy sovereignty are also shaping the debate.

Press play below to listen, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts Available on YouTube Listen on Spotify

On this episode of Filling the Sink, we're looking at the state of play in Catalonia, just over a year on from the blackout that hit the Iberian Peninsula.

Catalonia is still heavily reliant on nuclear power and lags behind Spain and the EU on renewable energy, with only around 20% of electricity coming from green sources.

From a low base, solar capacity is now expanding, and energy communities are growing rapidly in Catalonia.

Batteries are emerging as a key solution to balancing supply and demand, although progress remains limited.

Lorcan Doherty is joined by Cillian Shields with additional reporting from Telma Altes Safont.

Get in touch with the podcast team: fillingthesink@acn.cat 

Listen to more episodes of Filling the Sink below or find out more here.

FOLLOW CATALAN NEWS ON WHATSAPP!

Get the day's biggest stories right to your phone