Enormous potential: it is estimated that accelerated electrification could save the Spanish economy €6.71 billion per year. The drivers of this increased demand include electric cars and heat pumps in households and businesses, with the study predicting 20 to 30 TWh more electricity demand.
Electrification the smartest option
“Electrification is a historic opportunity for Spain,” says Santiago Gómez Ramos, President of APPA Renovables. “It allows us to reduce carbon emissions, boost energy efficiency, and generate significant savings for households and industry.” With its largely emission-free electricity mix, electrification is the smartest option for this sun- and wind-rich country.
Edisun Power builds three large solar parks in the Madrid area
In 2024, renewable energy will contribute 56% of electricity generation. The government's Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) predicts a 34% rise in electricity demand from 2019 to 2030. These figures are drawn from the study ‘El Momento de la Electrificación: Energía Renovable para una Economía Competitiva’ (The Moment of Electrification: Renewable Energy for a Competitive Economy), compiled by NTT Data for APPA Renewables.
Households save up to 64% on energy costs
According to the study, an average household in Spain could reduce its annual energy costs by 64% with an electric car and a heat pump, saving around €1,433. Additionally, CO2 emissions could be reduced by 83% if the electricity used came exclusively from renewable sources. The higher purchase costs for a heat pump should be subsidised through tax breaks and other incentive systems. Electric vehicles offer savings of €900 to €1,000 per year compared to a vehicle with a combustion engine.
Baywa r.e.'s first agri-PV plant in Spain is financed via a PPA with VELUX
Spanish industry consumes 57% of its final energy for heating. 77% of this energy comes from fossil fuels. Electrification of industrial processes through heat pumps and other technologies would significantly reduce this dependency. Electrification of industrial processes through heat pumps and other technologies would significantly reduce this dependency and significantly lower energy costs.
Heat pumps cover up to 80 % of the heat demand
Industrial heat pumps, for example, can cover up to 80 % of the heating requirements in sectors such as the food, paper and chemical industries. The heat pumps pay for themselves in less than four years, making them a very economical and ecological option. According to the report, gradual electrification in transport, industry and buildings could already save between €16.5 and €22.8 billion in energy costs by 2030. (nhp)
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