Coal is an energy source that is not only exhaustible and non-renewable, but also seriously pollutes our atmosphere. For many years, coal has been a key element in energy generation, but its environmental impact is devastating. In a global context that demands sustainable solutions to climate change, the abandonment of coal seems inevitable.
In this point, lord deben, chairman of the UK Climate Change Committee and a member of the House of Lords for the British Conservative Party, has pointed out that Spain has a particularly easy time abandoning coal, since it is not viable from either an economic or environmental perspective.
Next, we will analyze the actions that Spain must take to leave coal behind and embrace the energy transition which other countries have already begun to implement successfully. This article focuses on expert recommendations, successful approaches in other countries, and how Spain can lead the transformation towards a cleaner energy future.
Spain and the energy transition
Coal has been the backbone of the energy industry in many countries, but it is currently far from being a viable option. Spain, with its privileged geographical location and its enormous potential for the development of renewable energies, does not need to depend on this polluting and exhaustible energy source.
The Spanish government must focus on a Deep and sustained energy transition which not only enables us to meet the objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also guarantees a clean and sustainable energy system.
Spain already has several advantages to make this transition successfully. As a Mediterranean country, it has abundant resources such as solar and wind energy. The potential is immense: according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Spain's installed capacity in renewable energies could multiply in the coming decades.
Although legislation has taken important steps, such as the Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition, it is vital that it maintains its efforts and promotes the use of clean technologies. Through incentive programs, inter-ministerial agreements, and by promoting a stable regulatory framework, Spain can position itself as a global leader in renewable energy.
For this transition to be effective, Lord Deben stresses the importance of all political parties working together to create energy laws that are the result of a social and state consensus, thus protecting policies from political vagaries. Only a long-term commitment can ensure both social and political stability and, crucially, environmental sustainability.
The British experience offers valuable lessons in this regard. The United Kingdom managed to pass robust climate legislation with the support of all sectors: political parties, unions, employers and social organisations. This law has been a reference in other countries such as France, Mexico or Sweden, inspiring similar regulations and promoting the reduction of emissions at a global level.
UK Climate Change Committee: A Model to Follow
One of the pillars of climate legislation in the United Kingdom is the existence of an independent body: the Climate Change CommitteeThis body is responsible for drawing up binding five-year carbon budgets, which tell the government the maximum amount of emissions allowed in each period and set out a roadmap towards full decarbonisation by 2050, an 80% reduction in greenhouse gases compared to 1990 levels.
The independence of this committee and the binding nature of its recommendations have enabled successive governments to respect and maintain climate policies, preventing short-term political decisions from disrupting the long-term objective. Their recommendations are based on scientific evidence and are transparently shared with citizens..
Each year, the committee publishes a report assessing the country’s progress, with citizens able to formally report any non-compliance. This framework has enabled the UK’s commitment to decarbonisation to be protected even in times of economic or political crisis.
This approach should serve as inspiration for Spain. As Lord Deben points out in his recommendations, it is crucial that a similar committee in Spain, robust enough to ensure a continuous political framework that does not depend on alternations in power.
Key elements for the success of the energy transition
- Establish a solid legal framework and national consensus, which ensures the continuity of long-term energy and climate policies.
- Expand investment in renewable energy technologies, such as wind and solar energy, which have great potential in Spain.
- Implement a system of incentives for energy efficiency and the reduction of emissions through the use of clean alternatives.
- Create a committee of experts on climate change (similar to the UK one), which would draw up carbon budgets and advise the government on meeting its climate targets.
In countries that have made progress in decarbonisation, the presence of an independent committee of experts has been a cornerstone, as it ensures legal certainty for economic actors and rigorous monitoring of the commitments made.
Spain, like the United Kingdom and other countries in the European Union, must aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To do so, it is essential that plans are aligned with scientific evidence and that no short-term concessions are made that could jeopardize the progress achieved.
What can Spain learn from other countries?
Other countries have faced similar challenges and can serve as an example of how to move forward with the energy transition. Below we highlight some examples that could be useful for Spain:
- United Kingdom: In addition to having a Climate Change Committee, the UK has implemented the concept of “carbon budgets” as a key tool. These budgets not only impose limits on emissions, but allow the country to keep its economy competitive globally while reducing its climate footprint.
- France: France has made a decisive commitment to nuclear energy to complement its renewable energy mix. Although controversial, this strategy has allowed the country to become less dependent on coal and significantly reduce its emissions. Spain could explore this option as a support for renewable energy.
- Germany: Germany has launched an ambitious coal phase-out programme (the so-called “Kohleausstieg”) that sets out a clear timetable with the aim of closing its last coal-fired plants by 2038. It has also maximised the use of renewable energy, especially solar and wind power.
If Spain wants to be among the leaders in the fight against climate change, it must learn from these experiences, adapt them to its context and set clear and ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions in the coming years.
The path to full decarbonisation is not easy, but it is not impossible either. With political will, investment in clean energy and a focus on long-term sustainability, Spain can lead the energy transition in Europe.
The transition to a 100% renewable energy model is not only a climate necessity, but also an economic opportunity that must be seized. Spain must stay on the path towards this future, integrating more and more clean energies into its matrix and ensuring that the progress achieved is not truncated by short-term interests.
Abandoning coal and opting for a renewable model are essential steps to achieving a more sustainable and prosperous country.