Spain: Can we give up any of the primary energy sources?

1. Spain: Can we give up any of the primary energy sources? Alejo Vidal-Quadras Roca Vice-President of the European Parliament Member of the Industry, Energy & Research Committee

2. Overview • Around 80% of the energy the EU consumes is from fossil fuels • dependence on imported oil and gas could rise to 70% by 2030 • high price for our geo-political independence • combination of a more efficient energy use, the development of alternative sources, and an increasingly diversified energy mix, including nuclear

3. Spain’s primary energy consumption in 2004 (%) Source: Spanish Government

4. Spain’s primary energy production in 2004 (%) Source: Spanish Government

5. Spain’s dependence on imports in 2003 & 2004 Source: Spanish Government

6. Nuclear power • May be the most environmentally friendly way to generate large amounts of electricity • From the life-cycle perspective nuclear power plants’ GHG releases are equivalent or inferior to the ones of most wind power stations • Nuclear power contributes today to saving around 700 million tonnes of CO2 emissions a year • Need of a balanced and free of prejudice debate

7. Renewable sources • Ambitious switch to wind (particularly offshore wind), biomass, hydro and solar power and bio-fuels from organic matter • 20% of electricity supply by 2020 • Members States are still far from reaching these goals and many of these sources are yet to become really competitive

8. Coal • New technologies to make a cleaner use of fossil fuels • Carbon Sequestration • Clean Coal technology • Resuscitate European coal sector

9. Conclusion • 50% of energy production from secure, low-carbon sources within 20 years • increase our efforts in ensuring security of supply, while boosting competitiveness and respecting the environment • develop a Common Energy Policy to speak with a single voice representing 450 million consumers