Spanish Government Passes Renewable Energy Initiative

The Spanish government on Friday approved a new plan that will cost 23.6 billion euros through to 2010 aimed at boosting the contribution of renewable energy sources to the country's growing power needs, and help meet its obligations to reduce greenhouse gases.

The government wants 12.1 percent of overall energy needs to be met by renewable sources by 2010 and for those to supply 30.3 percent of total electricity consumption.

... The focus on clean energy sources will help reduce Spain's reliance on oil imports - surging crude oil prices have helped swell the country's trade shortfall recently. Spain is also a signatory of the Kyoto Protocol, which seeks to reduce emissions of climate-warming gases such as carbon dioxide. The conversion of coal-fuelled electricity plants to installations using cleaner energy sources will help Spain fulfill its Kyoto commitments.

In addition to increased renewables, Spain is currently home to 11 nuclear facilities, which include nine nuclear units at seven different plants, according to Foro Nuclear. Check out NEI's web site for this global breakdown, among other resources, to see how much power each nuclear unit in Spain generates.

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