Raw Materials, Energy, and Industry in Spain: A Historical Overview
Raw Materials and Energy Sources in Spain
Raw Materials
Spain’s raw materials are categorized into organic (agricultural, forestry, or livestock) and mineral resources. Mineral resources are further divided into:
- Metallic Minerals: Found in the Hercynian basement, these primarily serve the basic industry.
- Non-metallic Minerals: Originating from Paleozoic formations, these are used in construction and the chemical industry.
- Industrial Rock: A heterogeneous group used mainly in construction, with insufficient domestic production.
Energy Sources
Energy sources have evolved significantly since the 1960s, with a shift towards renewable energy. Non-renewable sources include:
- Coal: A black rock fuel derived from decomposed plant matter. Production peaked during the first industrial revolution but declined after 1984 due to various issues.
- Natural Gas: A mixture of hydrocarbon gases, primarily methane. It undergoes liquefaction and offers advantages like high calorific value and low production costs. Key production areas include the Basque Country and Huelva.
- Nuclear Energy: Generated by uranium fission, obtained from towns like Benito, Don Rodrigo. Nuclear energy primarily serves electricity production but faces challenges like external technological dependence, waste management, and high costs.
Renewable energy sources are gaining prominence, including:
- Hydraulic Energy: Water stored is used to power turbines, generating electricity. However, water conflicts pose a challenge.
- Other Renewable Sources: Mini-centrals, wind farms, biomass energy, solar energy, and geothermal energy are increasingly utilized for electricity production.
Industrial Development in Spain
1855-1975
This period witnessed several phases:
- Early Industrialization (1855-1900): Characterized by delayed start, limited entrepreneurship, capital scarcity, technological backwardness, and limited demand.
- Early 20th Century (1900-1936): Industrial growth driven by mining and coal, declining mineral exports, public works, and industrial protectionism.
- Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): The war interrupted growth and caused a significant industrial crisis.
- 1960-1975: Industrial expansion driven by energy development and low production costs. The focus was on adopting techniques from the first and second industrial revolutions.
1975-1985
This era faced challenges due to external factors (increased energy costs, technological shifts, globalization) and internal factors (structural deficiencies). The resulting crisis led to restructuring efforts.
Modern Industry
Today’s Spanish industry is driven by new technologies and innovation, including IT, telecommunications, biotechnology, lasers, and renewable energy. Key sectors include:
- Mature Industries: Basic metals, metal processing, steel, mechanical, electrical, leather, textile, and naval construction are undergoing restructuring.
- Dynamic Industries: Automotive, chemical, petrochemical, food, construction, and footwear sectors show significant growth.
Industrial Structure and Challenges
The Spanish industrial structure faces challenges such as a predominance of small and medium-sized enterprises, inadequate research and development, limited technological innovation, and export dependence. Location factors have evolved, with decreasing importance of proximity to natural resources and increasing importance of broader sales areas, improved transportation, and labor factors. Industrial diffusion is occurring, addressing the problems of large industrial concentrations. Environmental concerns are also prominent, with increasing awareness of pollution and resource depletion.