According to INFORMA's DBK Sector Observatory, the installed potency accumulated of renewable energy In Spain at the end of 2016 it reached 32.846 megawatts, which represented a growth of 0,2% compared to the previous year. This figure reflected a slow growth trend in the country.
The eolic energy led this category, contributing 70,1% of installed power, followed by the Photovoltaic Solar Energy with 14,2% and thermoelectric with a 7%. The remaining 8,7% came from hydroelectric plants and biomass generation. In this context, Spain began to establish itself as a benchmark in the transition towards clean energy.
The state of renewable energy in 2016
In 2016, Spain had 1.359 wind farms in operation, totaling a capacity of 23.026 megawatts. Photovoltaic solar energy was also advancing with 61.386 plants connected to the grid, adding up to an installed capacity of 4.674 megawatts, a figure that grew by 0,3% compared to 2015. For its part, energy thermoelectric, stagnant since 2013, maintained its 51 plants with a total capacity of 2.300 megawatts.
Also, ten most important companies In terms of installed power they grouped the 57% of installed capacity. In the case of the thermoelectric and wind, the market was even more concentrated, with a 73% y 70% respectively. However, the sector PV It was characterized by being much more atomized, with only the 13% in the hands of large companies.
Renewable energy auctions: A key tool for the transition
Renewable energy auctions have been a crucial mechanism to foster growth in this sector in Spain. In 2017, the third auction awarded more than 5.000 MW in renewable power, with ACS, through its subsidiary Cobra, being the big winner, winning 1.550 MW of photovoltaic solar energy. Forestalia also received a 316 MW of photovoltaics, while Enel Green Power Spain achievement 339 MW.
In this auction, the bids reached 65% off compared to the standard investment value, which will have a positive impact on future prices for consumers. This system of awarding large lots has been a factor that has driven concentration in the sector, particularly in the solar and wind energy segments.
Renewables in 2023: a significant change
In 2023, the renewable energy landscape in Spain has changed dramatically. The installed capacity of Photovoltaic Solar Energy increased a 28% In a single year, reaching the 25.549 MW, thus consolidating Spain as the second country with the greatest photovoltaic capacity in Europe. Together with the wind, which added up 661 MW Additionally, these two technologies have led renewable growth in the country.
For the first time in history, in 2023, more than 50% of the energy mix Spanish came from renewable energy, breaking production records. wind continues to stand out as the main source of energy, with a 23,5% of the total. The hydraulic, influenced by a year of good rainfall, also played a key role, increasing its generation by 41,1% over the previous year.
Economic impact of renewable energy
In economic terms, renewables generated a significant volume of revenue. In 2016, XNUMX million euros were recorded 7.069 millones de euros in revenue from the sale of wind and solar energy, despite having been a 9,3% lower to the previous year. These revenues came mainly from the solar sector, which contributed 4.212 millones de euros, divided between PV y thermoelectric.
The continued growth of renewables not only impacts on the reduction of CO2 emissions, but has also opened up industrial opportunities. According to the redea, it is expected that by 2026, 67% of Spain's energy production will be renewable, which will position Spain as one of the European leaders in the field.
The path towards greater energy efficiency and sustainability continues to be driven by the search for a robust and competitive energy system. Auctions, with the support of the government, ensure that renewable energies continue to gain weight in the national energy mix. The commitment to renewables in Spain not only benefits the environment, but also the consumer's pocket.