Energy Sources in Spain: A Detailed Analysis
Hydrocarbons
The boom in Spain was in the 1960s when the industry adopted oil as a low-cost energy source. Oil consumption has risen due to its use in transport, despite fluctuations in its price. Oil production in Spain is negligible and is located in central Iberia. Therefore, most of the oil is imported from other countries, with a large portion coming from the Middle East.
The primary use of oil is for the production of electricity in power plants. The main objective is to obtain oil derivatives for transport and the refinery industry.
Natural Gas
Within the hydrocarbons category, natural gas is also significant. Its use began in 1969 and has grown since 1976. The production of natural gas, like oil, is insignificant and is located in the south. However, most of the natural gas received by Spain comes through pipelines from the north of Europe and Algeria.
Its uses include heat production in industries and households, as well as in the derivatives of the petrochemical industry.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power currently used is that of fission, in which heavy atoms are separated from uranium. It began in Spain in 1969 and grew following the oil crisis. However, its growth has stalled due to public concerns about the high risk of accidents and their consequences. Uranium for nuclear production is imported from Niger.
Its main objective is the production of electricity. There is also fusion nuclear power, which is in the experimental stage and could provide a way to create energy at a lower cost.
Hydropower
Hydropower is a renewable resource because it uses water stored in reservoirs and lakes as an energy source. This water is propelled through pipes and moves turbines connected to a generator, transforming motion into electricity.
Production is located in places with uneven topography and rivers, such as the northern peninsula, some interior mountains, and along rivers like the Douro and the Tagus.
Its main objective is the production of electricity in power plants located at the foot of waterfalls.
Alternative Energy Sources
Alternative energies come from inexhaustible resources, are clean, and exhibit high dispersion, allowing for use in various locations.
Their use began after the oil crisis, which necessitated reducing energy dependence and increasing self-sufficiency. However, their implementation has been slow due to their higher prices, caused by insufficient technological development. Currently, this problem is almost entirely overcome in wind power, mini-hydro, and solar thermal. This fact, coupled with the need to reduce energy pollution, has resulted in a plan to promote them.
Energy production from renewable sources in Spain benefits from favorable conditions due to the diversity of its natural environment. Its main objective is to produce electrical, thermal, or mechanical energy.
- Small-scale hydropower: These are low-power stations that use river flow or irrigation canal jumps to produce electricity.
- Biomass energy: This is derived from agricultural, livestock, forestry, and agribusiness biowaste, as well as wood products. When burned, these wastes provide heat or electricity, and when fermented, they produce biogas. “Green biomass” or energy crops are also being developed to produce transport fuels (bioethanol from cereals and sugar, and biodiesel from sunflower and rapeseed).
- Wind power: This uses wind power to produce mechanical or electrical energy. Its growth has been spectacular thanks to the progressive reduction of costs. Wind farms are located in areas with strong, constant, and regular winds, typically on mountaintops and along the coast.