SpainÂ’s watchdog halts solar subsidies

MADRID, SPAIN - Spain's energy watchdog ruled to provisionally suspend paying premiums to 304 solar plants which failed to show they were up and running before subsidies were capped in 2008.

Generous subsidies made Spain the world's fastest-growing solar power market in 2008 and its second-biggest solar producer, before the government imposed limits on plants entitled to support on September 30 that year.

Spain derives about 2 percent of its electricity from solar plants, mostly of the photovoltaic type, which use panels directly turning the sun's rays into electricity.

Solar power costs far more to produce than electricity generated by burning gas or coal, so producers receive so-called "feed-in tariffs" — above market rates — designed to gradually make it competitive.

The National Energy Commission CNE recalled in a statement that it had provisionally suspended another 347 solar plants on March 29.

Last year the CNE began investigating 9,041 photovoltaic plants, of which 840 have waived a premium of 475 euros US $683.9 per megawatt-hour and accepted one of 326 euros/MWh.

Spain's benchmark wholesale power market price on April 14 was 44.43 euros/MWh.

Of the remainder, 2,021 plants have been examined and 651 suspended. The government has the final say on suspensions.

The International Energy Agency, an adviser to industrialized nations on energy policy, estimates solar power could provide up to a quarter of the world's electricity by 2050 but will need government support before the technology becomes cost effective.

Related News

hydro one logo

Hydro One, Avista to ask U.S. regulator to reconsider order against acquisition

TORONTO - Hydro One Ltd. and Avista Corp. say they plan to formally request that the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission reconsider its order last week denying approval of the $6.7-billion takeover of the U.S.-based energy utility.

The two companies say they will file a petition no later than Dec. 17 but haven't indicated on what grounds they are making the request.

Under Washington State law, the UTC has 20 days to consider the petition, otherwise it is deemed to be denied.

If it reconsiders its decision, the UTC can modify the prior order or take any actions it deems appropriate including extending…

READ MORE
indian electricity

OPINION Rewiring Indian electricity

READ MORE

Germany - A needed nuclear option for climate change

READ MORE

Despite delays, BC Hydro says crews responded well to 'atypical' storm

READ MORE

wind turbines in scotland

Scottish Wind Delivers Equivalent Of 98% Of Country’s October Electricity Demand

READ MORE