What is the situation of renewable energy in Spain?

CIEMAT has published a report on the current situation of renewable energy and its future prospects in Spain

A few days ago, the Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research published the study “Analysis of the situation of renewable energy in Spain 2016. Perspectives to 2020“.

This analysis serves as a thermometer to understand the situation of the renewable energy park Spanish. And whether it will meet the objectives set out in the ‘Horizon 2020‘ program.

These objectives are:

A 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to levels recorded in 1990.
The use of 20% renewable energy as a source of generation.
A 20% increase in energy efficiency.

Renewable energy, still far from traditional energy

To break down the current Spanish reality, the report is structured into three major areas. In a first point it delves into a detailed description of the situation of renewable energies in Spain. To do this, it dissects, on each side, primary energy, final energy and gross final consumption. Thus, the study shows the following figures:

Primary Energy Spain.png

The current share of renewable energies in the consumption of primary energy – the energy contained in fuels, before going through the transformation processes into final energy – in Spain is 14%. Very far from sources such as oil or natural gas, which are still predominant.

Final Energy Spain.png

The weight of renewables, as long as we combine renewable electricity and thermal renewables, is somewhat higher in the consumption of final energy – the energy as it is used at the points of consumption – in Spain. Thus, it occupies 15.9% of the total, although it is still far behind petroleum products, which at 52.6% continue to create considerable dependence.

Generación Bruta Energía España.png

Finally, and in terms of gross electricity generation by source, renewable energy is the absolute leader with almost 105Gwh of generated power, which represents 38.1% of the gross electricity generated in 2016.

Analysis of the challenges

The second point on which the report focuses is a detailed analysis of the fulfillment of the challenges contemplated in the National Action Plan for Renewable Energy. A plan under the protection of the European directive.

Here the situation of:

Biofuels.
Solar thermal energy.
Thermal biomass.
Geothermal energy.
The situation of renewables as a source of electricity generation (hydraulic energy, wind energy, solar photovoltaic, solar thermoelectric, etc.).

From this part we obtain a detailed classification of which autonomous community is a leader in the use of which renewable energy:

Ranking CCAA

An essential role of REE

Finally, in a third section, some final considerations are made in which it is indicated what to do to achieve the objective of 20% contribution of renewable energies by 2020.

Thus, it is concluded that, to achieve the objective of 20% contribution of renewable energies by 2020, the role of Red Eléctrica de España is fundamental. Especially in its role as an integrator of electricity generation with renewable sources, thanks in large part to the Special Regime Control Center (CERCE).

Furthermore, the report itself suggests the need to implement reforms that promote the development of renewable energies within the thermal sector. Such as biomass, which, as the study shows, is still very much underdeveloped, or solar energy and geothermal energy.

To achieve this, it is suggested to rely on a powerful financial muscle. As well as a network of subsidies that allow the correct deployment of this type of energy, without forgetting biofuels as a partial replacement for hydrocarbons.

To consult the report, click here.