Spain's Energy Landscape: Nuclear, Hydraulic, and Renewables

Nuclear Energy in Spain

Nuclear energy is currently obtained through fission, although experimental fusion production is not yet established.

In Spain, the growth of nuclear fission energy, linked to national needs, decreased after the 1975 oil crisis. However, its expansion has been paralyzed since 1984.

Uranium is sourced from mines in Ciudad Rodrigo (Salamanca) and Don Benito (Badajoz), ensuring 100% of the national uranium supply for nuclear energy.

It was fundamentally used for electricity production in 9 nuclear reactors.

Key Challenges of Fission Energy:

• External dependence on enrichment processes.
• Radioactive waste management, currently handled at the El Cabril mine.

In 1998, Spain inaugurated an experimental nuclear fusion facility in Madrid. This installation is not designed for energy production but for research into its obtainment.

Hydraulic Energy: Spain's Water Power

Hydraulic energy is obtained from a renewable energy source: water in reservoir dams and lakes. Its fall and movement drive turbines, transforming mechanical force into electricity.

Production is primarily located in the Iberian Peninsula due to its favorable topographical and hydrological characteristics. Its main application is electricity production.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

• Advantages:
  • Renewable
  • Reliable
  • Instantaneous response
• Problems:
  • Production fluctuations dependent on water availability throughout the year.
  • Potential conflicts with other water uses, such as agricultural irrigation and domestic consumption.

Emerging Renewable Energy Sources

The widespread adoption of renewable energy sources began after the 1975 oil crisis.

General Advantages:

• Inexhaustible
• Clean
• High dispersion, allowing their use to meet demand in diverse locations.

In Spain, energy production from renewable sources benefits from favorable natural diversity and an acceptable technological level. Their main application is providing thermal, electrical, or mechanical energy.

Types of Renewable Energy:

• a) Mini-Hydroelectric Power Plants:

  Small facilities that utilize river flow to generate electricity for nearby towns.

• b) Wind Energy:

  Uses wind force to transform wind into mechanical or electrical energy.

• c) Biomass Energy:

  Obtained from agricultural residues, forest products, and waste from the agro-food and wood industries.

• d) Solar Energy:

  Utilizes sunlight and heat. Applications include thermal and photovoltaic.

  Its use is particularly prominent in Andalusia, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands.

• e) Geothermal Energy:

  Uses subterranean steam or hot water. It is applied for winter heating in homes or for electricity generation.