La wind energy in 2017 was the second largest supplier to the energy system in Spain. With 23 GW installed, it generated more than 47 TWh, covering nearly 20% of the electricity demand. This source of energy has been crucial in the transition towards a more sustainable energy system that is less dependent on fossil fuels.
La stability of the wind sector has been notable in recent years. During 2017, wind energy provided a similar amount of electricity as in 2016. This stable performance is essential to ensure a balanced and less volatile energy matrix.
Wind energy in Spain
There are currently more than 20.000 wind turbines installed in more than 1.000 wind farms spread across the country. These parks have demonstrated a exceptional performance during key moments of high energy demand. According to Red Eléctrica Española (REE), the record for wind power production was reached on December 27, 2017, with a production of 330 GWh, covering 47% of daily electricity demand. In addition, December 2017 was the month with the highest wind generation in history.
In addition to its impact on electricity production, wind power has been key to reducing costs in the electricity market. If it were not for the high wind production in December, the average price of electricity would have been up to €20/MWh higher. In monetary terms, savings of between 30% and 35% are estimated, which is equivalent to approximately €400 million.
Spain has also stood out as the fourth largest producer of wind energy in the world, with 210 industries spread throughout the country. Unfortunately, due to certain policies of the Popular Party in those years, these industries have focused on export rather than supplying the domestic market.
offshore wind power
Since 2017, the wind sector in Spain has begun to focus on the development of offshore wind energy (marine). Through technological platforms such as REOLTEC, research and collaboration initiatives between the public and private sectors have been promoted, with the aim of positioning Spain as a leader in this emerging market.
The integration of the offshore wind industry has required a strong investment in R&D&I, facilitating the advancement of more efficient and competitive technologies. This also represents a promising field for improving the profitability of the Spanish wind sector in the coming years.
Renewable auctions
In order to comply with European regulations and targets, the Spanish government held three renewable energy auctions, two in 2017 and one in 2016. These auctions were a necessary boost to revitalise the wind sector, which until then had been stagnant with only 65 MW additional projects in recent times.
These auctions have enabled the sector to grow, stimulating new investments and projects that will foster an increase in installed capacity in the coming years.
The energy transition in Spain
Faced with the imperative challenge of energy transition, the Wind Energy Business Association (AEE) has prepared an analysis with which it intends to contribute to the Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition. This document contemplates the growth of wind energy in Spain until 2030, with clear goals to achieve greater decarbonisation of the energy system.
Installed capacity is expected to reach 28.000 MW in 2020 and continue to grow at an average of 1.200 MW per year until 2030, reaching 40 GW. This increase will reduce emissions from the electricity sector by 30% by 2020 (compared to 2005) and by more than 40% by 2030. According to the AEE, the Spanish energy mix is expected to cover 40% of demand with renewables in 2020, 62% in 2030, 92% in 2040 and 100% in 2050.
Future challenges for wind energy
Even with these advances, the wind sector in Spain faces several important challenges for the future:
- guarantee a balanced energy mix that ensures the stability of the system and meets the requirements of the energy transition.
- Improving inter-agency coordination national and regional, which allows for coherent and unified planning at an energy level.
- Establish sustainable financial mechanisms, such as bilateral contracts or long-term hedges, that reduce price volatility and allow for sustainable investments.
- In the Canary Islands, the commitment to wind energy is key to reducing the high cost of generation, which is currently double that of the peninsula.
- As a leader in offshore technology, Spain must continue to invest in research and development to improve the competitiveness and quality of its wind products.
The future of wind energy in Spain is promising if efforts towards it are maintained. expansion of installed capacity and constant improvement in innovation, which will ensure the country's leadership in the renewable energy sector.