Spanish wind industry stalls

The Spanish wind power sector has suffered a number of consequences as a result of restrictive regulatory punishment. In the first part of the year, Spain had only installed a wind turbine of 0.08 MW in Gailicia. As such this brought the total installed wind power to 22,970.58 MW.

Analysis by the Spanish Wind Energy Association outlined that 11.5 MW was connected in Gornoa del Viento, Canary Islands. The wind farm is a one of a kind as it has wind-hydraulic benefits.

The new set of regulations does not allow incentives for pilot projects. In turn, developers are finding it difficult to secure funding. There is a great deal of uncertainty and confusion by potential private investors on the impacts of the Energy Reform legal system.

A 2009 Register of the Pre-Allocation was established in 2009 by the Government which only allows registered new wind farms to receive remuneration provided for in the Royal Decree 661/2007. This regulation lead to holding companies equivalent of 928MW to give up the installation of the power allocated because of the new regulation.

Whilst the Register guarantees the right of registered wind farms to get paid a certain premium for 20 years, the Energy Reform removed the rights acquired by existing facilities. The AEE has advised that wind power is a key area to develop because of its multiplier effect on the Spanish government to lead to employment opportunities, innovation and technological development.