Spain's rapid expansion of renewable energy has led to excess electricity supply, presenting challenges for the industry.
Guy Hedgecoe reports for the BBC.
In short:
- Spain's wind and solar energy capacity has significantly increased, making it the EU's second-largest renewable energy producer.
- Despite economic growth, electricity consumption has dropped, causing periods of excess supply and fluctuating prices.
- Experts suggest accelerating electrification and improving energy storage to balance supply and demand.
Key quote:
"We need to engage more people and more industries in demand-side management."
— Sara Pizzinato, a renewable energy expert at Greenpeace Spain
Why this matters:
Renewable energy has been a cornerstone of Spain's environmental strategy, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. However, the influx of renewable power has outpaced the development of infrastructure needed to store and distribute it effectively. Without sufficient storage solutions, such as advanced batteries or pumped hydro storage, excess electricity often goes to waste or forces the grid to curtail production.
