By Euro Weekly News Media • 16 July 2019 • 8:30
HISTORIC LOW: Spain´s coal consumption is the lowest since 1990. Credit: Wikipedia.
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.
Share this story
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don't already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don’t already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Download our media pack in either English or Spanish.