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.
