COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Country Factsheet Spain Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS AND THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK State of the Energy Union
Date: 2015-11-18
Institutions: European Commission, Secretariat-General
Subjects: Spain, competitiveness, economic and social cohesion, electrical energy, energy policy, gas, innovation, reduction of gas emissions, regional cooperation, regions of Spain, single market

EN 

   EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 18.11.2015  SWD(2015) 239 final   COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Country Factsheet Spain Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS AND THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK State of the Energy Union {COM(2015) 572} {SWD(2015) 208 à 209} {SWD(2015) 217 à 238} {SWD(2015) 240 à 243}  
 
 
Towards an Energy Union  
           Spain 

Macroeconomic relevance of energy 

IMPORTANCE OF THE ENERGY SECTOR 

The macroeconomic significance of the energy sector in Spain is relatively high compared to the EU 
average, in terms of share in gross value added, while it is relatively limited in terms of share of total 
employment.  In 2012  the  value added  of  the energy  sector  accounted  for  2.76%  of  the total  gross 
value added  in Spain  increased considerably  compared  to  2005  levels  (1.75%). The employment  of 
the energy sector in the total employment followed a similar trend, at lower rate, by increasing from 
0.24% in 2005 to 0.29% in 2011. 

Source: EUROSTAT – National Accounts 

According to EurObserv'ER, in 2013, the share 
of  direct  and 
indirect  renewable  energy 
related  employment  in  total  employment  of 
the  economy  in  Spain  was  at  about  0.18%, 
below the EU average of 0.53%. 

Source:  European  Commission,  based  on  EurObserv'ER  and 
EUROSTAT 

0.01.02.03.020052012ESEU27Value added of energy sector% of grossvalue added (total economy)0.00.20.40.620052011ESEU27Employment in energy sector% of total employment 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Spain 

TRADE BALANCE OF ENERGY PRODUCTS 

In 2006 the overall energy trade deficit of Spain was considerably higher than that of the EU28, while 
in 2014 it converged at around the level of the EU28 average. The largest components of the deficit 
are  the  oil  and  natural  gas  trade  balance  throughout  the  period.  Despite  the  persistence  of  the 
energy  trade  deficit  in  these  two  energy  commodities,  the  country  moved  from  a  current  account 
deficit in 2006 of 9% to a current account surplus in 2014 of about 0.8%. 

Source: EUROSTAT 
Note: Current account balance for EU28 from European Commission (AMECO) 

1. Energy Security, solidarity and trust 

ENERGY MIX 

The energy mix of Spain  is broadly  similar with the EU28 average, with the notable  difference of a 
higher  share  of  petroleum,  less  use  of  solid  fuels  and  a  higher  share  of  renewables.  Compared  to 
1995 data, the share of gases sharply increased, more than EU average (from less than 8% to 22% of 
the  gross  inland  energy  consumption),  while  the  share  of  solid  fuels  decreased  (by  7  percentage 
point). The main decrease concerns the use of petroleum and products (by 13 percentage points). 

Gross inland energy consumption in 2013  

Source: DG ENER, based on EUROSTAT  

2 

-10-8-6-4-2024ESEU28% of GDPCoalOilElectricityGasC. A. BalanceTrade balance of energy product and currentaccount balance, 2006 -10-8-6-4-2024ESEU28% of GDPCoalOilElectricityGasC. A. BalanceTrade balance of energy product and currentaccount balance, 2014  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Spain 

IMPORT DEPENDENCY 

Spain has an import dependency1 above the EU average for fossil fuels as well as more specifically on 
gas  and  petroleum  and  products.  Regarding  petroleum  and  gas  products,  dependency  is  reaching 
100%.  Spain  has  one  of  the  highest  levels  of  gas  supplier  diversification  in  Europe2.  In  2012,  most 
imports were in the form of LNG. This also translates into an overall low supply concentration index. 
Spain  experiences  an  energy  trade  deficit,  expressed  in  percentage  of  GDP,  slightly  above  the  EU 
value.  

Source: DG ENER, based on EUROSTAT  

2. A fully-integrated internal energy market 

INTERCONNECTIONS 

The  electricity  interconnection  level  between  Spain  and  France  is 
2.8%  in  2015.  With  the  implementation  of  the  existing  PCIs,  the 
target of 10% for 2020 will still not be met; this also applies to the 
15% 2030 target. The submarine cable in the Biscay Gulf between 
Aquitaine  (FR)  and  the  Basque  Country  (ES),  to  double  the 
interconnection capacity to 5 %, was listed as a key infrastructure 
project  in  the  European  Energy  Security  Strategy  (EESS).  The 
project  is  also  a  PCI  and  benefitted  from  CEF  co-financing  for 
its 
feasibility  studies 
implementation. 

the  technical  aspects  of 

to  assess 

Source: DG ENER based on ENTSO-E 
scenario outlook and adequacy forecast 
2014 
Note:  Reference  to  2030  target 
is 
based  on  October  2014  European 
Council  conclusions  stating  that  "the 
Commission  will  also  report  regularly 
to  the  European  Council  with  the 
objective of arriving at a 15% target by 
2030" 

For  natural  gas,  Spain  has  six  LNG  terminals  and  a  seventh 
regasification  plant  in  Gijon  was  completed  in  2012.  It  has 
interconnection  pipeline  connections  with  Morocco,  Portugal, 
France  and  a  direct  connection  with  Algeria.  The  transmission 
capacity with France was upgraded in 2013 providing reverse flow 
interconnection  at  Larrau  which  reinforced  the  North-South 
interconnections.  The  interconnection  capacity  with  France  is 

1    Note: A dependency rate in excess of 100% indicates that energy products have been stocked. 
2  

Top non-EU gas suppliers table is based on EUROSTAT data. The share of imports from non-EU countries is calculated 
as the ratio between volumes of imports from that specific non-EU supplier and total imports  (from EU and non-EU 
countries). 

3 

Top non-EU gas suppliers in 2013 (% in total imports)SpainEuropean Union country[%]country[%]Algeria27.1Russia39.0Not specified26.8Norway29.5Qatar10.2Algeria9.7Nigeria9.2Qatar6.781%70%101%97%101%99%52%53%82%87%57%65%200520132005201320052013All fuelsPetroleum andproductsNatural gasESEU28Import dependency 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Spain 

expected to reach 7bcm/y in both directions by end 2015. 

In the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a 
High Level Group on Interconnections for South-West Europe, the 
parties  undertake  to  prepare  an  Implementation  Plan  of  the 
Madrid  Declaration  to  be  adopted  no  later  than  December  2015. 
For electricity, priority will be given to the Biscay Gulf project and 
two lines through the Pyrenees. For gas, the Implementation Plan 
should  focus  on  the  development  of  the  Eastern  Axis,  allowing 
bidirectional  gas  flows  between  the  Iberian  Peninsula  and  the 
French gas systems, notably through the MIDCAT project and the 
third interconnection point between Portugal and Spain. 

ELECTRICITY AND GAS MARKETS 

Market concentration index for power generation (left) and 
gas supply (right) (2013) (Herfindahl index – 10000 means 
monopoly) 

Sources: DG ENER based on ESTAT, CEER and Platts Power Vision 

Sources:ESTAT and DG ENER Calculations 

Power  generation  market  concentration,  which  had  been  falling  for  a  number  of  years  with  the 
increase  in  smaller  renewable  energy  generating  companies,  has  remained  stable  in  recent  years, 
well below EU average. Due to the absence of an organised gas hub, there is currently no single liquid 
transparent  gas  reference  price  in  Spain.  However,  Spain  is  currently  working  on  launching  an 
organised  gas  market  which  is  expected  to  start  operation  by  the  end  of  2015.  Wholesale  gas  and 
electricity  prices  are  slightly  above  EU  average.  The  electricity  market  could  further  converge  and 
integrate  with  the  wider  European  market,  especially  concerning  intraday  and  balancing  markets, 
provided interconnection with France is improved. The reform that Spain has undertaken since 2013 
increased the competences and functions of the national regulatory authority (Comisión Nacional de 
los Mercados y la Competencia). 

Competition in retail supply continues to rise, with a significant and steady increase in the switching 
rate (from 5.2% in 2009 to more than 12% in 2013 in both markets).  

Energy policy decisions in Spain over the last decade resulted in a substantial increase of all regulated 
costs  of  the electricity  system  provoking  a  huge  tariff  deficit which made electricity  prices  in Spain 
one of the highest of the European zone. The electricity tariff deficit reached EUR 3.5bn in 2013, and 
the accumulated tariff debt amounted to EUR 28.5bn at the end of 2013, almost 3% of GDP, which 
remains  to  be  eliminated.  Therefore,  Spain  undertook  in  2012-2014  an  in-depth  reform  of  the 
electricity  sector  aimed  at  achieving  the  financial  balance  and  sustainability  of  the  system  and 
ensuring  supply  to  consumers  at  the  lowest  possible  cost  and  eliminating  the  tariff  deficit.  The 
electricity  reform  has  established  a  regulatory  framework  which  reviews  the  parameters  for 
calculating  the  remuneration  of  regulated  activities,  introduces  a  set  rate  of  return  for  renewable 
energy  facilities  and  establishes  a  financial  stability  framework  that  prevents  new  tariff  deficit 
generation in the future (the system will already achieve a slight surplus in 2014).  

CONTRIBUTION OF ENERGY TO CONSUMER PRICE EVOLUTION 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Spain 

The Spanish inflation rate followed a similar pattern as the average inflation rate of the Euro area 
between  2005  and  2014.  However,  its  decomposition  shows  a  slightly  higher  contribution  of  the 
non-energy component compared to the Euro area  
Electricity  prices  to  consumers  in  Spain  increased  well  above  inflation:  between  2008  and  2012 
electricity  prices  for  average  household  consumers  surged  46%  while  the  Harmonised  Index  of 
Consumer  prices  (HICP)  increased  7%,  largely  reflecting  the  increase  in  regulated  costs.  The  2013 
reform has reversed this trend. The overall Spanish inflation rate has fallen below the EU average in 
2014.  . 

Source: DG ECFIN based on Eurostat 

VULNERABLE CONSUMERS 

 Source: DG ENER, based on on EUROSTAT SILC survey 

Based  on  a  EUROSTAT  survey  on 
income  and 
living  conditions,  three 
proxy indicators are used to assess fuel 
poverty.  They  indicate  potential  issues 
for Spain in line with EU average. 
As  part  of  the  reform  of  the  electricity 
sector,  a  new  electricity  pricing  system 
for  consumers  of  less  than  10  kW  was 
introduced:  the  Voluntary  Price  for 
Small  Consumers  (PVPC  in  Spanish). 
This  new  system  links  retail  prices  to 
hourly  wholesale 
spot  prices.  A 
subgroup  of  the  PVPC  for  vulnerable 
consumers  ("bono  social")  addresses 
energy  poverty.  The  "bono  social"  is 
available  to  consumers  with  a  3kW 
connection  or  lower  in  their  primary 
residence,  but  also  to  retired  persons, 
families  with  numerous  children  and 
the  unemployed,  and  provides  a 
reduction  of  the  electricity  tariffs  by 
25%.  

5 

-2024620052007200920112013% increase on a year earlierNon EnergyEnergyAll itemsSpain : Price evolution & the contribution of energy prices-2024620052007200920112013% increase on a year earlierNon EnergyEnergyAll itemsEA : Price evolution & the contribution of energy prices 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Spain 

3. Energy Efficiency and moderation of energy demand 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGET 2020  
(119.8 Mtoe primary energy and 80.1 Mtoe final energy) 

consumption 

Spain’s 2020  energy efficiency target is 
119.8  Mtoe  expressed 
in  primary 
(80.1  Mtoe 
energy 
expressed in final energy consumption). 
Even  if  Spain’s  current  primary  energy 
consumption  (113.6  Mtoe  in  2013)  is 
below its 2020 target, additional efforts 
could  be  needed  to  keep  the  primary 
energy  consumption  at  this  level  or  to 
minimise  its  increase  when  the  GDP 
increases  again  during  the  next  five 
year period.  

 Source:  DG  ENER,  based  on  EUROSTAT  and  on  national  energy  efficiency 

targets as declared by the MS under the Energy Efficiency Directive 

ENERGY INTENSITY 

Primary energy intensity in Spain has decreased from 2005, and is below EU average. However, since 
2010, energy intensity in the industrial sector is deteriorating. It could have been influenced by the 
economic crisis.  

Primary energy intensity of the economy  

Final energy intensity in industry 

Source: DG ENER based on  EUROSTAT and DG ECFIN/AMECO 

Source: DG ENER based on  EUROSTAT and DG ECFIN/AMECO 

Specific  energy  consumption  by  households  is  below  EU  average  and  decreased  at  a  slightly  faster  
pace  than  the  EU  average.  This  might  be  the  result  of  a  combination  of  factor,  namely  energy 
efficiency improvements, but also detoriation in economic conditions, reducing energy demand. The 
specific  energy  intensity  of  passenger  transport  decreased  between 2005  and 2010  in line with  EU 
average,  which  reflects  a  more  efficient  usage  of  cars.  The  specific  energy  intensity  for  freight 
transport has been stable and above EU average.  

Spain remains among the Member States with the lowest proportion of environmental taxes in GDP. 
In particular, taxation on motor fuel remains among the lowest in Europe.  

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Spain 

Final  energy  consumption  per  m2 
residential sector, climate corrected 

in 

Specific energy intensity for passenger cars and freight 
transport3  

Source: DG ENER based on  Odyssee database 

Source:  PRIMES  model  background  data  and  estimations  based  on  EU 
Commission and EU MS inputs   

EU  legislation sets  mandatory  CO2  emission  reduction  targets  for  new  cars  and  vans.  By  2021,  the 
fleet average to be achieved by all new cars is 95 grams of CO2 per kilometre. For new vans, the fleet 
average is set at 147 g/km by 2020. 

Source: European Environmental Agency. 2014 values are provisional. 2013 EU average refers to EU-27. 

Regarding transport performance, in EU-28 the inland freight modal shares are 71% by road, 17% by 
rail, 7% by inland waterways and 5% by pipelines. The respective inland passenger modal shares are 
82% by private car, 9% by buses and coaches, 7% by railways and 2% by tram and metro. 

Modal share Spain 

Source: Eurostat and EU transport in figures 2015. Data refers to 2013. Modal shares based on tonne-kilometres for freight sector and 
passenger-kilometres for passenger sector, freight data based on activity within country territory. Estimates are made when data is missing. 

3  

Statistics  on  energy  demand  for  passengers  and  freight  transport  are  not  available  and  model  estimates  have  been 
used instead. These issues should be borne in mind when comparing energy intensity in freight or passenger transport 
between Member States, which should be regarded as merely indicative. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Spain 

4. Decarbonisation of the economy 

NON-ETS GHG EMISSION REDUCTION TARGET 2020  
(-10% by 2020 as compared to 2005 in the non-ETS sector) 

Spain has  decreased  its  non-ETS emissions by 
17% between 2005 and 2014. 
According to its projections of 2015, Spain will 
reach  its  greenhouse  gas  emission  reduction 
target  for  2020,  with  a  2  percentage  points 
margin as compared to 2005.  

Non-ETS  Emissions 
(vs. 2005) 

Projections 
with 
existing  measures 
2020 

Projections/proxy 

target 

-12% 

-10% 

Proxy 2014 

-17% 

-5% 

Source:  DG  CLIMA    based  on  EEA.  Based  on  preliminary  inventory 
data. 

ESD (Effort Sharing Decision) emissions are the emissions not covered 

by the EU ETS 

RENEWABLE ENERGY SHARE TARGET 2020 (20%) 

With  a  renewable  energy  share  of  15.8  %  in 
2014,  Spain  is  on  track  to  reach  its  2020 
renewable  energy  target  of  20%  but  efforts 
should  continue  ahead  of  2020.  Spain  has  to 
continue guaranteeing a stable framework for 
the  development  of  the  sector.  In  this  sense, 
Spain  intends  to  keep  fostering  renewable 
energies in mainland and non-mainland areas 
by setting competitive mechanisms, based on 
cost 
introduce  new 
criteria, 
renewable capacity and renovate old facilities. 
Like the rest of Member States, although to a 
lesser  extent,  Spain  needs  to  assess  whether 
its  policies  and  tools  are  sufficient  and 
effective  in  meeting  their  renewable  energy 
objectives. 

effective 

Source: DG ENER based on  EUROSTAT 

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION INDICATORS 

 
 

In Spain, emissions per capita in 2013 were about 20% lower than the EU average.  
In 2014, the revenues from the auctioning of ETS allowances amounted to almost  EUR 330 
million,  all  of  which  is  planned  to  be  used  for  energy  and  climate  purposes,  especially  to 
support the renewable energy industry. 

Largest  Sectors  of  GHG  Emissions  in 

Spain 

EU 

GHG Emissions 

EU  ETS  auctioning  revenues  in 

Spain 

330 

EU 

32

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Spain 

2012(*) 

Energy/power industry 

Transport 

Industry (incl. industrial processes) 

Agriculture (incl. forestry & fishery) 

Residential & Commercial 

Waste & others 

28% 

24% 

21% 

14% 

9% 

4% 

33% 

20% 

19% 

12% 

13% 

3% 

Average 

2014 (EUR millions) 

05 

42
% 

Share of ETS emissions in 2013 

39% 

in  2013 

GHG  emissions/capita 
(tCO2equivalent) 
Carbon  intensity  of  the  economy 
in  2013 
(tCO2equivalent/(EUR 
millions) 

6.9 

8.5 

310 

32
8 

Source: DG CLIMA  based on EEA 

(*) Sectoral breakdown for 2013 data not available 

ENERGY & TRANSPORT TAXATION 

Energy and transport related taxes as a share of GDP are relatively lower than the EU-average in both 
2005  and  2012.  This  is  mainly  explained  by  differences  in  all  energy  and  transport  related  taxes, 
which are particularly pronounced in 2012. In this year the energy and transport related tax burden 
reduced by 20% compared to 2005, while the respective reduction of the EU-average was around 6%.  

Source: Eurostat 

5. Research, innovation and competitiveness 

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION 

Spain  is  near  the  EU  average,  above  the  US  and  below  Japan  and  South  Korea  in  terms  of  public 
support share allocated to research and innovation in the field of energy and environment. In terms 
of intensity of low-carbon technologies patents, Spain is behind the EU average and main worldwide 
partners.  

Source: DG ENER based on  EUROSTAT   

COMPETITIVENESS 

9 

0.01.02.03.0ESEU-28Energy & Transport related taxes % of GDP, 2005TransportvehiclesTransport fuelHeat &Electricity0.01.02.03.0ESEU-28Energy & Transport related taxes % of GDP, 2012TransportvehiclesTransport fuelHeat &Electricity 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Spain 

The  real  unit  energy  costs 4  in  Spain  have 
increased  steadily  over  the  last  years,  and  are 
now  above  both  the  EU  average  and  the  US. 
Decomposing  the  factors  of  the  costs,  energy 
intensity5 of  Spain's  manufacturing  sector  is  in 
line with the EU but lower than in the US.   Real 
energy  prices,  the  other  factor,  have  increased 
more  in  Spain  than  in  the  EU  over  the  past  ten 
years, while remaining higher than in the US.  
Electricity and gas prices for industrial consumers 
are in line with prices in the OECD, but are higher 
than in the US. 

Real unit energy costs (% of value added) 

Source: DG ECFIN 

Source: European Commission based on EUROSTAT and IEA 

6. Post-2020 Energy and Climate policy Strategy  

COMPREHENSIVE MEDIUM TO LONG-TERM STRATEGY (post-2020) 
FOR CLIMATE AND ENERGY  

  Spain  has  not  yet  defined  a  detailed  and  comprehensive  long-term  climate  and  energy  strategy 
for the period post 2020. The current Strategy for Climate Change and Clean Energy was adopted 
in 2007 and is being updated. 

  Spanish  efforts  are  currently  directed  towards  GHG  emission reductions  in  the non-ETS  sectors. 
For  these  sectors,  a  Roadmap  has  been  elaborated  which  will  allow  the  fulfilment  of  climate 
objectives 
in  the  period  2013-  2020  (covering  transport,  construction,  farming,  waste, 
agriculture).  This  initiative  has  been  recently  extended  up  to  2030.  Spain  is  also  carrying  out  a 
reform of the Electricity System. 

  According to Spain, the main elements of the energy and climate change policy should be defined 
at the EU level first. Only in a second stage, and according to the agreed framework, a national 
strategy and related policies will be defined.  

4  
5  

This indicator measures the amount of money spent on energy sources needed to obtain one unit of value added. 
The  energy  intensity  presented  here  is  derived  from  Use  Tables  of  WIOD,  see  "Energy  Economic  Developments  in 
Europe SWD(2014)19". 

10 

10.79.58.216.013.28.817.413.78.002468101214161820ESEU27US200020092011 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Spain 

NATIONAL TARGETS, especially for 2030 

Objective, 2030-2050 

GHG reduction  
Renewable energy share 
Energy Efficiency / savings 

Targets 
No 
No 
No 

Comments 

7. Regional cooperation  

Regional  cooperation  on  infrastructure  development  is  necessary  to  optimise  the  identification  of 
regional infrastructure priorities and to coordinate cross-border investments. Spain is a member of 
two  Regional  Groups  which  have  been  established  under  the  TEN-E  Regulation:  North-South  Gas 
Interconnections in Western Europe and North-South electricity interconnection in Western Europe.  

Spain  is  also  a  member  of  the  High  Level  Group  on  the  Interconnectivity  of  the  Iberian  Peninsula, 
formalized in consequence of the Madrid Summit which led to the Madrid Declaration, which aims to 
tackle  the  existing  interconnection  issues  both  for  electricity  and  gas  through  the  adoption  of  an 
Action Plan. 

8. Cohesion policy contribution  

The EU Cohesion policy provides  for important investment possibilities to implement energy policy 
objectives in Spain which will be complemented by national public and private co-financing, aiming at 
optimal leverage. It also ensures integrated territorial solutions to challenges by supporting capacity 
building, technical assistance and territorial cooperation. 

Internal  energy  market:  Over  2014-2020,  EU  Cohesion  Policy  will  invest  some  EUR  217  million  in 
smart  electricity  storage  and  transmission  systems,  as  well  as  around  EUR  18  million  in  smart 
electricity  distribution  grids  in  Spain.  These  investments  are  expected  to  contribute  to  around 
621 000 additional users connected to smart grids. 

Energy efficiency: Over 2014-2020, EU Cohesion Policy will invest around EUR 1 096 million in energy 
efficiency  improvements  in  public  and  residential  buildings  and  in  enterprises  in  Spain.  A  further 
estimated  EUR  2  400  million  will  be  invested  in  supporting  the  move  towards  an  energy-efficient, 
decarbonised  transport  sector.  These  investments  are  expected  to  contribute  to  around  85  000 
improved  energy  consumption  classification  and  a  decrease  of  around 
households  with 
1 629 176 000 kWh per year of decreased primary energy consumption of public buildings, as well as 
to around 520 km of new railway lines, 1 280 km of reconstructed or upgraded railway lines and 15 
km of new or improved tram and metro lines. 

Decarbonisation: Overall, the EU Cohesion Policy investments in Spain over 2014-2020 are expected 
to contribute to an estimated annual decrease of GHG of around 6 580 000 tonnes of CO2eq. Over 
2014-2020, EU Cohesion Policy will invest some EUR 650 million in renewable energy in Spain. These 
investments  are  expected  to  contribute  to  around  1  051  MW  of  additional  capacity  of  renewable 
energy production. 

Research,  Innovation  and  Competitiveness:  Over  2014-2020,  EU  Cohesion  Policy  will  invest 
significantly in R&I and in SME competitiveness in Spain. This will be based on the national and the 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Spain 

regional strategies for smart specialisation. For  Spain, the strategies (both  the national and several 
regional ones) include a focus on clean, safety, sustainable and clean energy and smart, integrated 
and sustainable transport, as well as actions against climate change consequences and for resource 
efficiency. At this stage, at least EUR 8 million is foreseen for investments in R&I and adoption of low-
carbon technologies in Spain, but this might increase further in line with the evolving content of the 
smart specialisation strategies. 

12