SPAIN
Like many countries with limited fossil-fuel resources,
the oil crises of the 1970’s provided Spain with the
impetus for investigating indigenous renewable energy
resources. During the 1980’s the Spanish wind resource
was assessed, the relevant technology developed and
a Demonstration Program launched by the Institute
for Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE). Thereafter
the establishment of several small demonstration wind
farms and the enactment of a law in 1994 (guaranteeing
the electricity price to be paid by utilities to wind
power plants) resulted in the wind energy sector being
ready to utilise the considerable potential that exists
in both continental Spain and in the Canary Archipelago.
From an installed capacity of just 73 MW in 1994,
the figure had increased to 1 539 MW by end-1999 with
annual growth rates of 100%, 95% and 85% in the years
1997, 1998 and 1999. Wind turbines have been installed
in nine of Spain’s provinces, the northern provinces
of Galicia and Navarra having 55% of total capacity.
In addition to federal energy laws, most Spanish provinces
have their own wind energy programmes These have been
aimed at stimulating local markets as the structure
of the economy has changed. Both Navarra, which had
experienced high unemployment, and Galicia have invested
heavily in turbine manufacturing plants.
The installed wind power plants are mainly owned by
consortiums formed by utilities, regional institutions
involved in local development, private investors,
and in some cases the manufacturers. Private individuals
are not taking an important role in the development
of wind energy in Spain.
At the end of 1999 the Spanish Ministry of Energy
and Industry prepared the "Program for Promotion of
Renewable Energies". This seeks to maintain the provisions
of an earlier law passed in December 1998. In addition,
it will be complemented by the new "National Plan
for Scientific Research, Development and Technological
Innovation (2000-2003)". The legislation seeks to
ensure the continuance of favourable economics for
power produced by renewable energy plants. The strategy
embodied in the 1998 law is that at least 12% of Spanish
energy demand will be met by renewable energies by
2010. To this end, it is expected that further utilisation
of the wind resource will result in some 10 800 MW
of wind capacity being in place by 2012. Galicia,
the most north-westerly province, taking full advantage
of the Atlantic winds, will account for 2 800 MW of
the total.
COUNTRY NOTES
(WIND ENERGY)
Argentina
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