Spain´s fossil fuel consumption hits historic low

THE amount of coal used to generate electricity in Spain reached historic
lows in May and June, according to data from the country’s power grid.

The Spanish Electric Network´s (REE) data showed that the use of coal to
generate electricity has never been lower than May and June of this year.  

Throughout May, coal-fired power stations contributed 1.7 per cent to
electricity on the Spanish mainland and 2.1 per cent in June.

Summer is typically not a good time for renewable energy. The reservoirs are
dried up, there is a lack of wind and it does not rain. The coal-fueled
power plants have to take over to produce energy for the country´s needs.

But this year the levels of highly contaminating fossil fuels hit a historic low.

Although this is positive for the environment, this decrease caused 150
employees who transported coal to the As Pontes power station in A Coruña have been unemployed for two months.

Despite the unforeseen dip, the government´s current plans are to continue
using all power stations that use imported coal for the next 10 years. Steps
have been taken to close stations that are dependent on Spain´s national
resources.