Spain’s Energy Landscape: Sources, Production, and Policy
Sources of Energy in Spain
Energy Imbalance and Dependence
Spain faces an energy imbalance, with consumption significantly exceeding production, leading to energy dependence.
Major Sources of Primary Energy
Coal
Coal, formed from decomposed plant debris, plays a role in Spain’s energy mix. However, extraction difficulties and high prices pose challenges. The industry is fragmented, with numerous small companies. Coal demand is declining. Production is concentrated in Asturias, León, and Palencia, primarily for electricity generation (80%). The main drawback is pollution from coal-fired power plants.
Oil
Oil, a hydrocarbon mixture formed from decomposed marine organisms, has limited domestic production in Tarragona and Burgos, necessitating reliance on imports. Its primary uses are in transportation and industry (e.g., fertilizer and electricity production). Oil is processed in refineries.
Natural Gas
Natural gas, a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons, is liquefied for transport. Its advantages include high calorific value, low price, and lower pollution compared to other fossil fuels. Production is located in the Basque Country and Huelva, but Spain remains dependent on imports.
Nuclear Energy
Uranium for nuclear energy is sourced from Salamanca and Badajoz, meeting 100% of national needs. Nuclear energy is primarily used for electricity generation. Key challenges include external dependence on uranium enrichment and technology, safety risks, radioactive waste storage, and high decommissioning costs.
Hydraulic Power
Hydraulic power, derived from water stored in dams or lakes, primarily in the Ebro, Duero, and Tagus basins, fulfills 100% of national needs. It is mainly used for electricity generation. Advantages include renewability, cleanliness, and instantaneous availability. Disadvantages include fluctuating production due to rainfall variations and conflicts with other water uses like irrigation and domestic consumption.
New Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy sources offer advantages of inexhaustibility, cleanliness, and wide distribution. They are used for thermal, electrical, and mechanical power generation. Different types include:
- Mini-hydro: Low-power plants utilizing river flow, bringing electricity to remote areas.
- Wind power: Converting wind energy into mechanical or electrical power, experiencing significant growth.
- Biomass energy: Utilizing organic waste to produce gas.
- Solar energy: Harnessing heat and sunlight for thermal and photovoltaic applications.
- Geothermal energy: Utilizing underground steam or hot water for heating greenhouses, homes, and electricity generation.
Electricity Production in Spain
Primary energy sources require transformation into usable forms like electricity. Spain’s electricity production relies on thermal power plants (oil, coal, gas), nuclear fission, and hydroelectric plants. Production has increased with economic development and rising living standards.
Energy Policy in Spain
Following the 1975-1979 oil crisis, the International Energy Agency promoted energy saving, alternative sources, and research. Spain’s National Energy Plan (PEN) focused on nuclear energy development to reduce oil dependence. The 1986 Renewable Energy Plan (PER) promoted renewable energy.
Current energy policy includes:
- EU Energy Policy: Focuses on secure supply diversification, energy saving, renewable energy promotion, internal market liberalization, and environmental impact mitigation.
- New PEN: Emphasizes increased consumption of gas, oil, and renewable energy.
- Renewable Energy Promotion Plan (1996-2006): Aims to achieve the EU’s 2010 target of 12% renewable energy production.