COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Energy Union 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 Third Report on the State of the Energy Union
Date: 2017-11-23
Institutions: European Commission, Secretariat-General
Subjects: Spain, climate change policy, competitiveness, economic and social cohesion, energy cooperation, energy policy, innovation, investment, regional cooperation, single market

EN 

  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 23.11.2017 SWD(2017) 393 final  COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Energy Union 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  Third Report on the State of the Energy Union  {COM(2017) 688 final} - {SWD(2017) 384 final} - {SWD(2017) 385 final} - {SWD(2017) 386 final} - {SWD(2017) 387 final} - {SWD(2017) 388 final} - {SWD(2017) 389 final} - {SWD(2017) 390 final} - {SWD(2017) 391 final} - {SWD(2017) 392 final} - {SWD(2017) 394 final} - {SWD(2017) 395 final} - {SWD(2017) 396 final} - {SWD(2017) 397 final} - {SWD(2017) 398 final} - {SWD(2017) 399 final} - {SWD(2017) 401 final} - {SWD(2017) 402 final} - {SWD(2017) 404 final} - {SWD(2017) 405 final} - {SWD(2017) 406 final} - {SWD(2017) 407 final} - {SWD(2017) 408 final} - {SWD(2017) 409 final} - {SWD(2017) 411 final} - {SWD(2017) 412 final} - {SWD(2017) 413 final} - {SWD(2017) 414 final}  
 
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

  Spain 
                          Energy Union factsheet1 

1.  Macro-economic implications of energy activities 

Energy and transport are key sectors for the overall functioning of the economy as they provide an 
important input and service to the other sectors of the economy. Together, the activity in these two 
sectors2 accounted for 7.4 % of the total gross value added of Spain in 2015. Similarly, their share in 
total employment3 was 4.6% in 2015, of which 4.3 % in the transport sector and 0.3 % in the energy 
sector.  

(source: Eurostat) 
According  to  EurObserv'ER,  in  2015,  the  share  of  direct  and  indirect  renewable  energy  related 
employment in total employment of the economy in Spain was at about 0.38 %. The turnover of the 
renewable energy industry in the same year was estimated at around EUR 13.48 billion, the largest 
part  being  attributed  to  heat  pumps  (40.8  %  of  total  renewable  turnover),  more  than  one  third  to 
wind (33.38 %), followed by biomass (11.35 %) and biofuels industries (6.88 %). 

1 The indicators used in this country factsheet largely build on indicators developed for the Commission Staff 
Working  Document  "Monitoring  progress  towards  the  Energy  Union  objectives  –  key  indicators" 
(SWD(2017)  32 
final)  https://ec.europa.eu/commission/sites/beta-political/files/swd-energy-union-key-
indicators_en.pdf 

2 Gross value added and employment in NACE sectors D-Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply and 

H-Transportation and storage 

3 National Accounts, Eurostat 

1 

02468101214162005201520052015ESEU28[%]Value added of the sector as % of total economy gross value added EnergyTransport6,177,376,646,88Energy&Transport as % of total GVA:0123456789102005201520052015ESEU28[%]Employment in the sector as % of total employmentEnergyTransport4,824,625,575,46Energy&Transport as % of total employment: 
 
 
 
                                                            
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

(source: EC based on Eurobserv'Er and Eurostat) 

The  decarbonisation  of  the  energy  and  transport  sectors  will  require  significant  investments  and 
economic  activity  beyond  the  remit  of  these  sectors  themselves.  The  energy  transition  implies  a 
structural  shift  in  economic  activity.  Energy-related  investment  and  jobs  will  in  part  migrate  from 
traditional  fossil  fuel  based  activities  towards  construction,  equipment  manufacturing  and  other 
services related to the deployment of low carbon and clean energy technologies. At the moment, the 
efforts related to the low-carbon and clean energy transition in sectors beyond energy can only be 
partially quantified and are therefore not included in this analysis.  

An indication of the level of efforts and challenges encountered by Spain in the energy sector is given 
by the Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF)4. Investments in the electricity and gas sectors, which are 
taken as reference sectors, have been on an increasing trend since 2010. They represented around 
1.8 % of the country's GDP in 2014, higher than in the pre-crisis period and marginally lower than its 
peak in the previous year (2.1 %).  

(source: Eurostat) 

4  Gross  fixed  capital  formation  consists  of  resident  producers´  acquisitions,  less  disposals,  of  fixed  tangible  or  intangible 
assets. This covers, in particular, machinery and equipment, vehicles, dwellings and other buildings. It also includes foreign 
direct  investment  (FDI).  Steam  and  air  conditioning  supply  are  also  included  in  the  figures  mentioned  above  as  Eurostat 
reports electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply together. 

2 

0,0%0,5%1,0%1,5%2,0%2,5%2006200720082009201020112012201320142015[% GDP]GFCF in energy as share of GDP, Spain**GFCF=Grossfix capital formation 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

In  terms  of  trade,  Spain  is  a  net  importer  of  fossil  fuels,  mainly  of  oil  and  gas.  The  trade  deficit  in 
energy  products  has  fallen  from  about  3.2  %  of  GDP  in  2006  to  2  %  in  2015,  influenced  by 
improvements  in  energy  efficiency  and  an  increase  of  domestic  renewable  energy  sources  and  by 
falling fossil fuel prices. The largest decrease as a percentage of GDP is accounted for by petroleum 
products, followed mainly by coal and gas. 

(source: Eurostat) 

2. Energy security, solidarity and trust 

2.1. Energy Mix 

In comparison to the average primary energy mix in the EU, Spain's energy mix has a higher share of 
renewable energy (13.7 % vs 13 %) and a lower share of nuclear energy (12.2 % vs 13.6 %). Natural 
gas is close to EU average (20.2 % vs 22 %). Oil has a stronger presence (42.8 % vs 34.4 %) and solid 
fuels are below EU average (10.9 % vs 16.2 %).  

 (source: Eurostat) 

3 

-10,0-8,0-6,0-4,0-2,00,02,04,02006201520062015ESEU28[% of GDP]Trade balance of energy product and current  account balanceGasOilCoalElectricity-3,20-2,00-2,24-1,69Trade balance of all energy products [%GDP]:2015 EU28: Energy mix*wastenuclearrenewablesnatural gasoilsolid fuels0,8%13,6%13,0%22,0%34,4%16,2%1627,5MtoeGIC -total:GIC -energy mix*1626,2Mtoe2015 ES: Energy mix*wastenuclearrenewablesnatural gasoilsolid fuels0,2%12,2%13,7%20,2%42,8%10,9%121,4MtoeGIC -total:121,4MtoeGIC -energy mix*:*energy mix as share share in GIC-excluding electricity and derivedheat exchanges ,GIC=gross inland consumption 
 
 
 
 
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

2.2. Import dependency and security of supply 

Spain has an import dependency above the EU average for fossil fuels, as well as more specifically on 
gas and oil although it is a net exporter of refined products.  73.3 % of Spain's energy consumption 
comes from imports, quite above the EU average, mainly due to its reduced indigenous production of 
gas  and  oil.  However,  Spain  has  one  of  the  highest  levels  of  gas  and  oil  supplier  diversification  in 
Europe.  

 (source: Eurostat) 

The security of gas supply Regulation requires that, if the single largest gas infrastructure fails in one 
Member State, the capacity of the remaining infrastructure is able to satisfy total gas demand during 
a day of exceptionally high gas demand. Spain complies with the N-1 rule and benefits from a reliable 
and extensive internal infrastructure.  

(source: gas coordination group) 

4 

54,0%73,3%69,1%96,9%88,4%99,5%64,1%78,2%0%40%80%120%EU28ESEU28ESEU28ESEU28EStotal energycarriersnatural gascrude oil and NGLhard coalImport dependency200520151,9%-8,1%12,0%-4,5%7,2%-0,5%8,4%3,8%absolute change 2005-2015 [pp]ESEU28ESEU28ESEU28AlgeriaRussiaNigeriaRussiaColombiaRussia59,7%37,3%16,7%28,8%33,5%29,1%NigeriaNorwayMexicoNorwayRussiaColombia11,9%32,8%13,7%12,4%21,5%24,3%QatarAlgeriaSaudi ArabiaNigeriaIndonesiaUnited States9,3%10,7%10,5%8,3%20,6%16,0%*share in total imports for the MS and in total non-EU imports for the EU282015: Top non-EU suppliers for main energy carriers* Natural gasCrude oil and NGLHard coal132,0%N-1 rule for gas2016threshold 100%ES 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

3. Internal market 

3.1. Interconnections and wholesale market functioning 

3.1.1. Electricity 

(source: EC services based on ENTSOE         source: EC services based on Eurostat            source: EC services based on Platts 
and European power exchanges) 

In  2017,  the  electricity  interconnection  level5  of  Spain  was  5.8  %,  calculated  based  on  import 
capacity, well below the 2020 target of 10%. The electricity interconnection capacity with France is 
only  2.8  GW,  despite  the  commissioning  in  2015  of  the  EU  co-financed  Santa-Llogaia  Baixas  line. 
Regarding  the  connections  with  Portugal,  the  electricity  interconnection  which  will  increase  the 
current interconnection capacity level to 3.2 GW, will be completed by 2018.  

However, Spain remains insufficiently connected with the EU electricity market and cannot fully reap 
the  benefits  from  a  real  and  effective  EU  internal  market.  This  has  negative  consequences  for 
Portugal as well. 

With respect to electricity, three projects of common interest- the Biscay Bay project and two other 
additional projects across the Pyrenees- have been given priority in the Madrid Declaration signed in 
2015.  

The  Biscay  Bay  project,  France  —  Spain  interconnection  between  Nouvelle  Aquitaine  (FR)  and  the 
Basque country (ES) will bring the interconnection capacity between the two countries to 5000 MW 
by 2025 and Spain close to the 10% target.  

The two planned projects for increasing the interconnection with France through the Pyrenees with 
estimated commissioning date on 2026, will increase the interconnection up to 8.000 MW. 

5 The interconnectivity level is calculated as a ratio between import interconnection and net generation capacities 
of the country (i.e. the 2017 value is the ratio between simultaneous import interconnection capacity [GW] 
and net generating capacity [GW] in the country at 11 January 2017, 19:00 pm as resulted from ENTSO-E 
Winter Outlook 2016/2017) 

5 

 
 
 
                                                            
                              Energy Union – Spain 

Concentration  of  the  power  generation  market  is  below  EU  average  (969  vs  3726).  Wholesale 
electricity prices are slightly above the EU average. The electricity market could further converge and 
integrate  with  the  wider  European  market,  especially  concerning  intraday  and  balancing  markets, 
once the adequate level of interconnections is in place.  

Although  Spain  is  integrated  with  the  rest  of  Europe  through  the  Price  Coupling  of  Regions  (PCR) 
project using the Euphemia (Market Coupling Algorithm), the Day-Ahead prices are quite above other 
EU  countries.  Therefore,  advancing  the  integration  of  intraday  or  balance  market  will  not  bring 
benefits  if  they  are  not  accompanied  by  an  increase  in  the  capacity  of  the  interconnection  with 
France. 

Following  the  obtaining  of  3.25  million  euros  of  European  co-financing  within  the  framework  of 
Connecting Europe Facility, RTE and REE defined the technical parameters of the project and jointly 
prepared  the  request  for  construction  and  environmental  permits,  in  line  with  the  requirements 
stated in the Annex VI.5 of the Regulation EU No 347/2013. 

3.1.2. Gas 

Concentration on gas supply markets continues to improve although with ratios lower than the EU 
average.  If  in  2015  the  market  concentration  index  for  wholesale  gas  remained  significantly  lower 
than  the  EU  average  (3  295,  as  against  4  771),  this  level  has  increased  since  2011  indicating  a 
decrease in competition.  

(source: ACER for the left graph and EC services based on on Platts, gas hubs, ESTAT for the right graph) 

MIBGAS ("Mercado Ibérico del Gas" Iberian Gas Market) started its operations in December 2015, as 
the operator of Spain's organised gas market and with the aim of achieving in the future one single 
market with Portugal, similarly to the electricity sector (based on bilateral agreements between both 
Member States). During its first year of operation, progress has been made, but MIBGAS liquidity is 
still far below the liquidity levels of the main European gas hubs (only 2 % of the domestic demand 
was  negotiated  in  MIBGAS  in  2016).  In  this  regard,  several  measures  have  been  taken  to  increase 
market  liquidity,  including  the  appointment  in  January  and  June  2017  of  a  market  creator  (Gunvor 
International BV followed by AXPO IBERIA S.L.) As a result, liquidity has more than doubled in 2017, 
reaching  4.1%  of  national  demand.  Based  on  the  future  evolution  of  the  market  liquidity,  the 
Hydrocarbons  Law  envisages  the  establishment  of  additional  market  creation  obligations  on 
dominant companies.  

6 

 
 
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

Projections based on the latest PCI list (2015) indicate that investments in energy infrastructure are 
expected  to  peak  in  2019-20  and  continue  on  a  sustained  level.  In  particular,  new  energy 
interconnections are foreseen, with 2  gas PCIs being commissioned post-2020 (Midcat and the 3rd 
interconnection  between  Spain  and  Portugal)  and    4  new  electricity  interconnections,  (electricity 
PCIs) by 2025: Biscay Gulf, two projects in the Pyrenees and a new interconnection between Spain 
and Portugal. 

3.2. Retail electricity and gas markets 

3.2.1. Electricity 

In 2015, households' electricity prices in Spain were above the EU average. Between 2013 and 2015, 
average band retail electricity prices for households remained stable.  

Spain  has  a high annual  switching rate  by  consumers  from one electricity  supplier to  another, well 
above the EU average.  

Spain  is  implementing  a  full  roll-out  of  smart  meters.  In  2015,  about  50  %  of  final  customers  had 
installed  an  electricity  smart  meter,  and  by  the  end  of  2018  all  household  consumers  will  have  a 
smart meter. 

(source: ACER) 

(source: Eurostat)  

(source: Eurostat) 

3.2.2. Gas 

Gas  represents  an  important  share  of  households'  energy  consumption.    Since  the  inauguration  of 
the MIBGAS market in December 2015, a daily-based reference price is being published, although the 
low market liquidity needs to be further increased.  

Domestic retail prices for gas are for all consumption bands amongst the highest in Europe. However, 
between 2013 and 2015, average band retail gas prices for households decreased (-4 %) more than 
the EU average. Since 2013, the level of taxes and levies in household gas prices has remained stable 
and slightly lower than the EU average. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

Annual switching rates among household consumers have substantially decreased for gas (from 19 % 
in 2011 to 11.1 % in 2015), but remain well above EU average.  

(source: ACER) 

(source: Eurostat)  

(source: Eurostat) 

3.2.3. Market performance indicators 

According to the periodical survey of DG JUST, the Spanish consumers are less satisfied than the EU 
average about the services received on energy retail markets.  

(source: DG JUST survey) 

3.3. Energy affordability  

In Spain, the share of energy in total household expenditure is below the EU average. 

The  cost  of  energy  weighs  on  some  categories  of  poor  households.  The  percentage  of  population 
unable  to  keep  their  homes  adequately  warm  (in  the  population  at  risk  of  poverty)  increased 
between  2005  and  2015  (from  17.1  %  to  23.3  %,  above  the  EU28  average)  due  to  the  economic 
downturn.  

8 

 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

In  2015  with  the  upward  economic  cycle  and  the  energy  reform,  the  burden  of  energy  costs  for 
Spanish  households  started  to  decrease,  after  the  increases  recorded  between  2008  and  2014. 
However,  it  continued  to  increase  for  low  income  households  with  children,  as  one  in  four  still 
experienced  difficulties  in  paying  utility  bills  and  keeping  their  home  warm  (EU-SILC  2015). 
Nevertheless,  more  than  2.4  million  of  households  have  been  eligible  in  2014  and  2015  for  the 
electricity social tariff.  In October 2017, the criteria of the social tariff were amended with a view to 
better targeting low income households and strengthening the protection of vulnerable consumers.    

 (source: ad-hoc data collection of DG ENER based on HBS with the support of Eurostat and national statistics) 

4. Energy efficiency and moderation of demand 

Since 2005, Spain decreased its primary energy consumption by 13.8 % to 117.11 Mtoe in 2015. Over 
the same period, final energy consumption also decreased by 17.7 % to 80.46 Mtoe in 2015. These  
levels  are  below  the  Spanish  indicative  energy  efficiency  2020  targets  of  122.6  Mtoe  expressed  in 
primary energy consumption and 87.23 Mtoe in final energy consumption (updated indicative targets 
communicated in the 2017 National Energy Efficiency Action Plan).  However, the 2015 figures show 
an increase in both primary and final energy consumption as compared to 2014 levels. Spain should 
keep  its  commitment  to  the energy efficiency policies  in  order  to  make sure  that demand  remains 
below both targets during the next years, when a GDP growth rate is expected. 

(source: Eurostat) 

Primary energy intensity decreased over the period 2005-2015 and remained below the EU average. 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

The energy consumption of Spain's transport sector was in 2015 at almost 42 % in total final energy 
consumption, well above the EU average of 33.1 %. Nevertheless, final energy consumption in Spain's 
transport  fell  by  20  %  in  Spain  in  2014  compared  to  2005  levels.  The  energy  consumption  of  the 
residential sector is below the EU average, with a share in total final energy consumption of 18.5 %. 
On the contrary, the energy consumption of Spain's industrial sector was in 2015 at 23.5 % in total 
final energy consumption, below the EU average. As to the services sector, it is aligned with the EU 
average, with a share of 12.5 %. 

(source: Eurostat) 

For the period 2014-2020, Spain allocated significant amounts of EU Cohesion policy funds for energy 
efficiency,  in  particular  for  the  residential  sector.  This  is  expected  to  result  in  improved  efficiency, 
therefore enabling many households to adequately warm their homes, reducing their risk of energy 
poverty. The energy efficient renovation of the building stock will also help Spain to fulfil its energy 
efficiency commitments for 2020. 

Spain has invested through the National Fund for Energy Efficiency more than 300 million euros since 
its establishment in 2014, and has recently approved a new framework of aids for projects in energy 
efficiency carried out by the local entities, partially financed by structural European funds and with a 
budget of 336 million euros in 2017. In addition, the Official Credit Institute (ICO) and the Institute 
for Diversification and Energy Saving (IDAE) will launch a new financing scheme with a total budget of 
100 million euros. 

(source: Eurostat)  

(source: Eurostat)  

  (source: Odyssee database) 

10 

2015 EU28: Final energy consumptionwasteservicesagriculture/forestry/fishingresidentialtransportindustry0,4%13,6%2,3%25,4%33,1%25,3%1084,0Mtoe2015 ES: Final energy consumptionother (non-specified)servicesagriculture/forestry/fishingresidentialtransportindustry0,7%12,5%3,1%18,5%41,8%23,5%80,5Mtoe 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

Between  2005  and  2015  in  Spain,  the  final  energy  consumption  in  transport  recorded  an  average 
annual decrease of 1.6 %, well below the 0.4 % average annual increase of the GDP. The decrease of 
final energy consumption in transport was mainly driven by the decrease of freight transport activity 
affected by the economic context.   

(source: Eurostat)  

        (source: Eurostat and DG MOVE pocketbook) 

The share of collective passengers land  transport into total passengers' transport increased slightly 
between 2005 and 2015.  

(source: Eurostat)  

Spain has made significant efforts to improve the efficiency of the transport system, notably in the 
Spanish railway sector, where investments have been aimed at creating a high performance network 
interoperable with the rest of the European network (resulting in the improvement of travel times 
and an increase in the average speed of 30 % in the last decade). Between 2012 and 2016, incentives 
to  the  substitution  of  vehicles  for  more  efficient  ones  have  led  to  the  substitution  of  1,173,035 
vehicles and to a total expense of EUR 1.115 billion. In this line, a program called PROMOVEA will be 
launched  during  2017,  aimed  at  promoting  electric  and  alternative  fuelled  vehicles,  and  the 
deployment of electric charging points. 

In  terms  of  infrastructures  and  regulation,  the  2017  Spanish  National  Plan  of  Reforms  addresses 
various  initiatives  to  improve  the  competitiveness  of  the  Spanish  Transport  sector.  The  Plan 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

considers it essential to strengthen the Spanish logistics sector to boost the competitiveness of the 
Spanish  economy.  Some  notable  actions  to  be  developed  include  encouraging  the  freight  rail 
transport through the development of rail motorways between the main national and international 
logistics  nodes  and  the  promotion  of  the  TEN-T  Atlantic  and  Mediterranean  corridors  and  the 
connection  with  the  main  Spanish  ports.  This  will  increase  the  competitiveness  of  the  ports  and 
reduce  rates  and  fees  in  ports  as  well  as  airports  and  air  traffic  services  developing  the  National 
Mobility  Plan  based  on  the  principle  of  an  integrated,  citizen-oriented,  sustainable  and  efficient 
transport system, and elaborating a Digital Agenda for Infrastructures.  

5. Decarbonisation of the economy 

5.1. GHG emissions 

For  the  year  2020,  Spain  has  a  greenhouse  gas  emissions  target  of  -10  %  in  the  non-ETS  sectors 
(compared  with  emissions  in  2005).  According  to  the  latest  national  projections  submitted  to  the 
European Commission in 2017 and taking into account existing measures, emissions are projected to 
decrease  by  20  %  by  2020  as  compared  with  2005.  Therefore,  Spain  should  reach  its  2020 
greenhouse gas emission reduction target with a 10 percentage points margin.  

According  to  approximate  data  for  2016,  emissions  decreased  by  16  %  between  2005  and  2016 
against an interim target of 6 %. 

(source: EC and EEA)   

According to 2016 EEA estimates, the GHG intensity of Spain's economy was below the EU average. 
In 2016, emissions per capita in Spain were also below the EU average. 

In 2015 in Spain, the largest sectors in terms of emissions were the energy and transport sectors (1/4 
of  the  total  GHG  emissions  respectively) followed  by  industry  (21  %),  agriculture and fishery  (12%) 
and  residential  and  commercial  sectors  (8  %).  In  relative  terms,  the  emissions  from  the  transport, 
industry and agriculture sectors were above the EU average.  

12 

 
 
 
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

(source: EC and EEA)   

Preliminary accounts under the Kyoto Protocol for Spain show overall removals of -14.0 Mt CO2-eq. 
as  an  annual  average  in  the  period  2013-2015.  For  comparison,  the  annual  average  of  the  EU-28 
accounted  for  removals  of  -119.0  Mt  CO2-eq.  It  should  be  noted  that  in  this  preliminary  simulated 
accounting exercise, removals from Forest Management did by far not exceed the accounting cap.  

Removals by Afforestation are notably higher than emissions by Deforestation. Removals by Forest 
Management are a notable secondary contributor. Cropland Management changes from a relevant 
source  to  a  minor  sink.  Overall,  there  is  an  increasing  trend  in  removals  mainly  due  to  changes  by 
Cropland  Management  and  increasing  removals  by  Forest  Management.  While  removals  by 
Afforestation declined they were counter-balanced by removals by Forest Management which nearly 
doubled over the course of the three-year period. Notable is also the shift of Cropland Management 
from a source to a sink, with emissions in 2013 and increasing removals in 2014 and 2015. Emissions 
by Deforestation remained constant. 

Note: Forest Management credits are capped and presented as yearly averages when the total Forest 
Management credits of the considered period exceed the simulated cap over the same period. 

(source: EC and EEA) 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

CO2 emissions in transport and alternative fuelled vehicles 

The average CO2 emissions of new cars in Spain were in 2016 below the EU average and substantially 
decreased since 2005. 

 (source: European Environment Agency) 

Over the last four years, the number of electric charging points in Spain has increased substantially, 
from 891 units in 2013 to 3674 units in 2016. 

       (European Alternative Fuels Observatory) 

(European Environment Agency)  
National Policy Frameworks under Directive 2014/94/EU on alternative fuels infrastructure have to 
establish targets, objectives and measures for the development of the market of alternative fuels in 
the  transport  sector  and  the  deployment  of  the  relevant  infrastructure.  Spain  has  submitted  its 
National Policy Framework as requested under article 3 of the Directive 2014/94/EU.  

A detailed assessment of the Spanish National Policy Framework in terms of its compliance with the 
requirements  of  Directive  2014/94/EU  on  alternative  fuels  infrastructure,  its  contribution  to 
achievement  of  long-term  energy and  climate objectives  of  the  Union  and  coherence of  its  targets 
and objectives in terms of cross-border continuity has been published as part of the Communication 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

on  Alternative  Fuels  Action  Plans  (COM(2017)652)  and   the  related  staff  working  document 
SWD(2017)365.  

5.2. Adaptation to climate change 

A National Adaptation Strategy, the PNACC, was adopted in 2006. Three working programmes have 
been  adopted  so  far,  in  2006  (WP1),  2009  (WP2)  and  2013  (WP3).  The  following  sectors  were 
considered  by  the  PNACC-WP3  to  address  adaptation  actions  during  the  period  2014-2020: 
biodiversity, 
fishing  and  aquaculture,  tourism,  health, 
finances/insurance, energy, industry, transport, urbanism and building, and finally hunting and inland 
fishing.  A  report  on  the  assessment  of  the  implementation  of  the  PNACC  is  published  every  three 
years, the latest dating from 2014. Monitoring reports are structured according to the architecture of 
the PNACC and form the basis to follow up the progress in the implementation of the Strategy. 

forestry,  water,  soils,  agriculture, 

5.3. Taxes on energy and transport and fossil fuel subsidies 

The overall tax burden on energy and transport in Spain amounts to 1.78% of GDP in 2014, which is 
among the lowest in the EU and 0.6 percentage points lower than the average. All three categories of 
taxation were lower than that of the EU average; this was in particular the case for the tax burden of 
the  transport  vehicles.  With  the  exception  of  the  taxes  on  electricity  and  heat,  the  other  two 
categories presented a decrease between 2007 and 2014. In terms of CO2-related taxation, the car 
registration tax is based on CO2 emissions, while there is no direct CO2 component in the taxation of 
energy products. 

(Source: Eurostat) 

15 

0123452007201420072014ESEU28[% GDP]Energy & Transport related taxes as % GDPHeat & ElectricityTransport VehiclesTransport Fuel1,751,782,282,37Total transport and electricity taxes [%GDP]: 
 
  
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

(source: OECD Inventory of Support Measures for Fossil Fuels 2015)  

Spain  mainly  provides  consumer  support  in  the  form  of  fuel-tax  exemptions  for  specific  users.  The 
chief  source  of  support  to  fossil-fuel  production  in  Spain  has  been  the  financial  assistance  to  the 
country’s hard-coal mining industry according to the EU State Aid rules. 

In  May  2016  a  €2.13  billion  state  aid  scheme  was  approved  aiming  to  alleviate  the  social  and 
economic impact of closing 26 uncompetitive coal mines in Spain. The phasing out of any State Aid by 
2018  is  required  by  the  relevant  EU  state  aid  rules  and  the  Council  Decision  2010/787/EU  which 
requires that mines receiving such aid must be wound down by the end of 2018 at the latest6.  

5.4. Renewable energy  

With  a  renewable  energy  share  of  16.2  %  in  2015,  Spain  is  on  track  to  reach  its  2020  renewable 
energy  target.  However,  there  has  been  a  visible  slowdown  in  the  increase  of  this  share  between 
2014 and 2015 compared to the three precedent years and investments have slowed down due to 
regulatory changes. 

 (source: Eurostat-SHARES) 

6 http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/cases/244102/244102_1780173_276_2.pdf 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
                              Energy Union – Spain 

The  share  of  renewable  energy  sources  per  sector  in  2015  was  the  following:  36.9  %  in  electricity, 
16.8% in heating and cooling, and 1.7% in transport.  Spain is well below the 2020 target of 10 % of 
renewables  in  the  transport  sector.  One  of  the  reasons  is  that  Spain  only  started  to  apply  the 
sustainability criteria for biofuels in 2016.   

(source: Eurostat-SHARES) 

Some measures to further promote renewables should counteract the slowdown in the increase of 
the  share  of  renewable  energy.  The  tenders  organised  in  2016  and  2017  for  allocating  support  to 
renewable electricity projects are seen as a step forward to fostering investment in renewables and 
meeting the 2020 target. The government has also started to apply biofuels sustainability criteria in 
2016, which will make it possible to count biofuels towards the renewable energy targets.  

Without the deployment of renewables since 2005, it is estimated that Spain would have consumed 
in 2014 about 11.5% more fossil fuels (for their gross inland consumption) and that GHG emissions 
would have been 9.8% higher7.   

 (source: EEA) 

5.5. Contribution of the Energy Union to better air quality 

7  Avoided  GHG  emissions  mentioned  here  have  a  theoretical  character  as  these  contributions  do  not 
necessarily represent 'net GHG savings per se' nor are they based on life-cycle assessment or full carbon 
accounting. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

Air  quality  in  Spain  continues  to  give  cause  for  concern.  For  the  year  2013,  the  European 
Environment  Agency  estimated  that  about  23,940  premature  deaths  were  attributable  to  fine 
particulate matter (PM2,5) concentrations and over 4,280 to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations8.  

For both pollutants Spain reported exceedances of the binding EU air quality standards9 in a number 
of air quality zones. For the year 2015, Spain reported exceedances of the limit value for PM10 in 8 
out of the 130 air quality zones in Spain, while exceedances of the limit value for PM2.5 were reported 
in 1 zone and of the limit value for NO2 in 8 out of 127 zones. 

(source: EEA) 

The health-related external costs from air pollution in Spain have been estimated to be more than 
EUR 22 billion/year (income adjusted, 2010), which includes the intrinsic value of living a healthy life 
without premature death as well as the direct costs to the economy such as healthcare costs and lost 
working days due to sickness caused by air pollution10. 

The  Energy  Union  can  substantially  contribute  to  addressing  these  air  quality  problems  through 
measures reducing emissions of both GHG and air pollutants such as PM and nitrogen oxides (NOx) 
from major contributing sectors such as (road) transport, energy production, industry and residential 
heating (e.g. stoves and boilers).  

8 European Environment Agency, 2016, Air Quality in Europe – 2016 Report, table 10.2. The report also includes details as 

regards the underpinning methodology for calculating premature deaths.    

9 Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air 

for Europe, OJ L 152, 11.6.2008, p.1-44 

10 See also the EU Environmental Implementation Review Country Report for Spain, SWD(2017)42 final of 3.2.2017 

18 

020406080100120140NO2 Annual limit valuePM2.5 Annual limit valuePM10 Daily limit value[number of zones]Air quality zones in exceedance of EU air quality standards number of zones exceedingnumber of zones not exceedingES 
 
 
                                                            
                              Energy Union – Spain 

 (Source: EEA. This table reflects only sources of primary PM2,5 emissions.) 

6. Research, innovation and competitiveness  

6.1. Research and innovation policy 

Achieving  a  safe,  clean  and  efficient  energy  system  is  identified  amongst  the  priorities  of  Spanish 
research  and  innovation  (R&I)  strategy.  The  Spanish  Strategy  for  Science  and  Technology  and 
Innovation  2013-2020  and  the  State  Plan  of  Scientific  and  Technical  Research  and  Innovation 
implementing the Strategy are the main policy frameworks for energy-related research, development 
and demonstration (RD&D). 

The Spanish  energy R&I activities  are  shaped  by  four  objectives:  (a)  Sustainability  and  reduction  of 
greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change; (b) Economic competitiveness to improve the 
efficiency of the Spanish and European grids through the development of the internal energy market; 
(c)  Security  of  supply,  in  order  to  better  coordinate  national  energy  supply  and  demand  in  an 
international context; and (d) Social and technological changes fostering lower energy consumption 
patterns. 

Spain is a very active contributor to the ongoing work of the Strategic Energy Technologies (SET) Plan. 
It participates in all the temporary working groups for the implementation of the integrated SET Plan 
except one, and leads the one dedicated to concentrated solar power. Spain has also made a point to 
link and coordinate the actions that derive from the State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research 
and Innovation 2013-2016 with European initiatives, and especially with the SET Plan. 

Regarding  the  Horizon  2020  programme,  Spain  has  received  so  far  12.6%  of  the  EU  contribution 
devoted  to  the  'secure,  clean  and  efficient  energy'  part  of  the  programme.  As  of  September  2017, 
554 participations from Spanish organisations have been awarded EUR 228 million in Horizon 2020 
energy projects.  

6.2. Investments and patents in the Energy Union R&I priorities  

In  2015,  public  (national)  investments  in  the  Energy  Union  R&I  priorities  reached  EUR  106  million, 
having increased by 10% compared to 2014. The largest share of investments (41%) was attracted by 
the  Renewables  priority  of  the  Energy  Union,  followed  by  the  Smart  System  priority  (26%)  and 
Sustainable Transport (15%). In the period 2007-2015, the maximum public investment was EUR 275 

19 

4,1%45,3%4,0%6,8%1,7%1,1%0,0%9,8%27,2%AgricultureCommercial, institutional and householdsEnergy production and distributionEnergy use in industryIndustrial processes and product useNon-road transportOtherRoad transportWastePM2.5 emissions by sectors -2015*ES9,2%12,2%17,1%15,8%0,6%7,1%0,0%33,6%4,3%NOx emisisons by sectors -2015* *NECD data submitted by MS to EEA at 28th May 2015 
 
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

million, reported in 2011. In 2014, the most recent year for which data from most Member States are 
available, public investment per GDP in Spain was lower than the EU average11. 

Private investment in the Energy Union R&I priorities in 2013 was estimated at EUR 456 million (3% 
of  the  private  R&I  investment  in  Energy  Union  R&I  priorities  in  the  EU).  The  focus  was  on 
Renewables,  which  received  50%  of  these  investments,  followed  by  Efficient  System  with  20%  and 
Sustainable Transport with 15%. 

In 2013, the most recent year for which complete patent12 statistics are available, 132 companies and 
research organisations based in Spain filed 216 patents in low-carbon energy technologies (3% of the 
EU total). The focus was on Renewables (52%), followed by Efficient Systems (19%) and Sustainable 
Transport (14%). 

In 2013, private R&I investments and patents in Energy Union R&I priorities were lower than the EU 
average  when  normalised  by  GDP  and  by  population  respectively.  In  the  period  2007-2013,  both 
private  R&I  investments  and  the  number  of  patents  in  Energy  Union  R&I  priorities  increased  on 
average by 6% and 13% per year, which is comparable to the evolution of the same indicators at EU 
level (6% and 15% respectively).  

Note: The international comparison (right) is shown for 2014 (Spain had reported EUR 96 million). Reporting at 
EU level for 2015 is not as complete, and very few countries have reported for 2016. 

11    In previous years there had been a significant reduction in public R&I investment, as a result of budgetary 

restrictions in the context of the Excessive Deficit Procedure. 

12  

In the context of this document, the term 'patent' refers to patent families, rather than applications, as a measure of 
innovative activity. Patent families include all documents relevant to a distinct invention (e.g. applications to multiple 
authorities),  thus  preventing  multiple  counting.  A  fraction  of  the  family  is  allocated  to  each  applicant  and  relevant 
technology. 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
                              Energy Union – Spain 

(Data sources: Public investment as available in the International Energy Agency RD&D Statistics database13 for 
codes  relevant  to  Energy  Union  RIC  priorities.  Patent  data  based  on  the  European  Patent  Office  PATSTAT 
database14. Private investment as estimated by JRC SETIS. Detailed methodology available from the JRC15.) 

6.3. Competitiveness 

In  2014,  the  real  unit  energy  costs  (RUEC)16  in  Spain  (20.8)  were  above  those  at  the  EU  average 
(15.3), almost three times more than those in the US but below those in Japan and China. Electricity 
prices  paid  by  industrial  customers  are  aligned  with  the  EU  average.  Gas  prices  for  industrial 
consumers are aligned with the EU and OECD averages.  

(source: ECFIN) 

                   (source: ESTAT and IEA) 

Regarding the competitiveness in wind and solar energy, Spain is performing quite well in the wind 
sector  due  to  a  comparative  advantage  in  key  components  of  wind  turbines  such  as  blades, 
gearboxes  and  generators.  As  indicated  by  the  revealed  comparative  advantage  indicator17  below, 

13 http://www.iea.org/statistics/RDDonlinedataservice/  
14 https://www.epo.org/searching-for-patents/business/patstat.html#tab1  
15 https://setis.ec.europa.eu/related-jrc-activities/jrc-setis-reports/monitoring-ri-low-carbon-energy-technologies  
16   This indicator measures the amount of money spent on energy sources needed to obtain one unit of value 

added. 

17 The RCA index for product "i" is defined as follows: RCAi =

Xj,i
∑ Xj,i
i
Xw,i
∑ Xw,i
i

 where X is the value of exports, and j is the country and 

w is the reference  group, the World economy. 2005 refers in the text to the indicator average over the 2000-2009 period, 
while 2015 represents the average over the 2010-2016 period. The same applies for the RTB indicator - see below. 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
                              Energy Union – Spain 

the Spanish economy is not specialised in solar PV. The relative trade balance18 confirms that Spain is 
a net exporter of wind components, well above the EU average in 2015. In particular, Spain recorded 
a  significant  increase  in  the  relative  trade  balance  of  wind  technology  components  between  the 
period 2005 and 2015, by turning the relative marginal trade deficit into a trade surplus. Spain is a 
net importer of solar PV panels and components. 

(source: UN comtrade) 

7. Regional and local cooperation 

Spain actively participates in various regional cooperation groups, with a key focus on increasing the 
interconnection with France for both electricity and gas: 

o  Regional  High  level  Group  South  West,  implementing  the  Madrid  declaration,  together 
with the European Commissioner in charge climate action and energy and the Ministers 
of France, and Portugal responsible for energy policy. 

o  TEN-E regional groups: North-South interconnection in Western Europe, both for gas and 

electricity. 

Furthermore,  Spain  and  Portugal  are  part  of  the  electricity  market  coupling  of  regions  since  May 
2014. This coupling now spans 19 countries, covering almost 85 % of European power consumption. 

Lastly,  Spain  has  shown  interest  to  participate  in  the  Clean  Energy  for  EU  islands  initiative.  The 
Commission announced the initiative on islands as part of the enabling actions of the Clean Energy 
Package.  The  initiative  aims  to  accelerate  the  clean  energy  transition  on  islands  to  ensure  islands 
provide  secure  and  clean  energy  and  energy  related  transport  to  their  citizens  and  do  so  for 
affordable  costs.  In this  respect, it  is  envisaged  to  bring forward  an  enabling framework  which will 
facilitate  deployment  of  investments  on  energy.  A  starting  point  is  the  signing  of  a  political 

18 The RTB indicator for product "i" is defined as follows: RTBi =

imports. 

Xi−Mi
Xi+Mi

 where Xi is the value of product's "i" exports and Mi 

22 

0123456solarwindsolarwindESEU28[-]Revealed Comparative Advantage -RCA20052015-0,142,21-0,070,22absolute change 2005 -2015:-1,0-0,50,00,51,0solarwindsolarwindESEU28[-]Relative Trade Balance -RTB200520150,070,69-0,080,06absolute change 2005 -2015: 
 
 
 
                                                            
                              Energy Union – Spain 

declaration  with  interested  Member  States  and  the  Commission  in  the  margins  of  the  Informal 
Energy Council scheduled for May 18 in Valetta (Malta). 

European  Territorial  Cooperation  –  'Interreg'  –  under  EU  cohesion  policy  also  provides  further 
opportunities for cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation, including in the Energy 
Union areas.  

Cities and urban areas have a key role in the energy and climate challenge. The Urban Agenda for the 
EU,  established  by  the  Pact  of  Amsterdam  in  May  2016,  better  involves  cities  in  the  design  and 
implementation of policies, including those related to the Energy Union. It is implemented through 
partnerships, in which the Commission, Member States, cities and stakeholders work together on a 
number  of  important  areas,  including  on  Energy  Transition,  Urban  Mobility,  Air  Quality,  Climate 
Adaptation and Housing. Spain is participating in the partnerships on Energy Transition, with the city 
of  Navarra  regional  housing  agency  Nasuvinsa  as  a  member  and  on  Climate  Adaptation  with  the 
Province of Barcelona as a member. 

By 2016, in the context of the Covenant of Mayors, the sustainable energy action plans delivered by 
1376  Spanish  municipalities  had  been  assessed.  Overall,  these  municipalities  cover  almost  25.5 
million inhabitants. These municipalities committed to reducing GHG emissions by 22.7% by 2020 (as 
compared  to  1990  baseline),  a  lower  percentage  reduction  than  at  EU  level,  but  leading  to  higher 
emissions per capita.  

(source: JRC 2016. Notes: SEAP=sustainable energy action plan, GHG=greenhouse gas emissions) 

In  Spain,  by  September  2016,  164  cities  (covering  8.76  million  inhabitants)  have  committed  to 
conduct  vulnerability  and  risk  assessment  and  develop  and  implement  adaptation  plans  in  the 
framework of the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. 

8. Cohesion policy and EU clean energy investments  

EU  cohesion  policy  makes  a  key  contribution  to  delivering  the  Energy  Union  objectives  on  the 
ground, including important investment possibilities to implement energy policy objectives in Spain 
which are complemented by national public and private co-financing, aiming at optimal leverage. It 
also  ensures  integrated  territorial  solutions  to  energy  and  climate  challenges,  supports  capacity 
building and provides technical assistance. 

Over  2014-2020,  cohesion  policy  is  investing  some  EUR  1,981  million  in  energy  efficiency 
improvements in public and residential buildings and in enterprises, as well as in renewable energy 
and smart energy infrastructure in Spain. Cohesion policy is also investing significantly in R&I and in 
SME competitiveness, based on the national and the regional strategies for smart specialisation. For 
Spain,  the  strategies  (both  the  national  and  several  regional  ones)  include  a  focus  on  safe, 
sustainable  and  clean  energy  and  smart,  integrated  and  sustainable  transport,  as  well  as  actions 

23 

 
 
 
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

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  strategy.  A  further 
estimated  EUR 2 400 million  is  invested  in  supporting  the  move  towards  an  energy-efficient, 
decarbonised transport sector. 

(source: DG REGIO) 

These  investments  are  expected to  contribute  to  around  85,000  households  with improved energy 
consumption  classification,  a  decrease  of  around  1,629,176,000  kWh  per  year  of  primary  energy 
consumption  of  public  buildings,  around  1,050  MW  of  additional  capacity  of  renewable  energy 
production and 621,000 additional users connected to smart grids, as well as to around 1,000 km of 
new  railway  lines,  2,360  km  of  reconstructed  or  upgraded  railway  lines  and  15  km  of  new  or 
improved tram and metro lines. Overall, the EU cohesion policy investments in Spain over 2014-2020 
are expected to contribute to an estimated annual decrease of GHG emissions of around 6,580,000 
tonnes of CO2eq. 

For  example,  the  Hospital  de  Sant  Pau  Art  nouveau  World  Heritage  Site  in  Barcelona  has  been 
sustainably  restored  into  a  cultural  tourist  attraction  and  Knowledge  Centre.  A  strict  adherence  to 
sustainable  building  materials  and  techniques  were  applied  to  the  restoration  process.  The  project 
was able to attain a considerable amount of energy reduction and maximisation of water resources 
during  the  renovation.  A  geothermal  system  uses  radiant  floor  heating,  and  sensors  heat  and  cool 
the  buildings  based  on  demand.  Three  of  the  restored  buildings  achieved  LEED  silver  certification 
(one of the most widely used green rating system). The total cost was EUR 78 million, of which the 
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) contributed with EUR 22.5 million.  

As  another  example,  the  National  Renewable  Energy  Centre  (CENER)  is  a  technology  centre, 
specialised in applied research and in the development and promotion of renewable energies. It has 
excellent  qualifications  and  recognised  national  and  international  prestige.  The  CENER-CIEMAT 
Foundation  started  its  activity  in  2002  and  its  Board  of  Trustees  is  comprised  of  the  Ministry  of 
Economy,  Industry  and  Competitiveness,  CIEMAT  (Research  Centre  for  Energy,  Environment  and 
Technology), the Ministry of Energy Tourism and Digital Agenda, and the Government of Navarra. It 
currently provides services and performs research work in six areas: Wind, Solar Thermal and Solar 
Photovoltaic,  Biomass,  Energy  in  Buildings  and  Renewable  Energy  Grid  Integration.  CENER  has 
cutting-edge technological infrastructures, with modern laboratories and facilities. The research and 
development of an offshore wind power generation system for deep water has been co-funded by 
the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The main objective is to generate knowledge and 
develop  technology  in  order  to  extend  and  lead  the  construction  of  offshore  wind  farms  in  deep 

24 

05001.0001.5002.0002.5003.000Energy and Low-carbon R&ILow-carbon transport[Million EUR]ESERDF and Cohesion Funds allocation on energy, low-carbon transport and low-carbon R&I 2014-2020 1.9882.400Total alocation [mn EUR] 
 
 
                              Energy Union – Spain 

water.  The project  has  a  budget  of  EUR 3,910,276  and  was  partially  funded  by  the former  Spanish 
Ministry  of  Science  and  Innovation  and  co-funded  with  ERDF  funds  within  the  INNPACTO  2010 
program. CENER activities are focused on the experimental and numerical characterization of wind 
conditions  for  wind  resource  assessment  and  wind  farm  design.  To  this  end,  mesoscale 
meteorological  and  computational  fluid  dynamic  (CFD)  models  will  be  validated  in  offshore 
conditions. Besides, a design tool will be developed for the optimization of the wind farm layout in 
deep water. 

Through  its  support  to  sustainable  transport  systems,  the  Connecting  Europe  Facility  (CEF)  also 
contributes to the goals of the Energy Union. Following Spanish participation in the CEF – Transport 
2014-2015 Calls, the Spanish action portfolio comprises 60 signed grant agreements, allocating EUR 
900 million of actual CEF Transport Funding to Spanish beneficiaries (state-of-play February 2017)19. 
The  transport  mode  which  receives  the  highest  share  of  funding  is  rail  (78.5  %  of  actual  funding). 
Some  of  the  main  rail  actions  under  this  portfolio  aim  at  removing  important  bottlenecks  and 
completing  missing  links  along  pre-identified  sections  of  the  Atlantic  and  Mediterranean  corridors. 
Spain’s  main  multimodal  actions  aim  at  improving  rail  to  road  connections  in  the  Atlantic  and 
Mediterranean  corridors  in  order  to  improve  the  environmental  performance  of  the  network,  in 
addition  to  removing  bottlenecks.  The  multimodal  portfolio  also  includes  important  innovation 
projects addressing the decarbonisation agenda, including actions promoting the use of LNG as fuel 
for medium to long haul road transport as well as in maritime transport. 

Spain  demonstrates  a  consistent  involvement  in  maritime  transportation  projects.  The  country's 
efforts focus on improving the environmental performance of this mode of transport via expanding 
the  use  of  alternative  fuels.  This  is  particularly  noted  under  Innovation  projects,  where  Spain 
continues  its  efforts  for  the  introduction  of  LNG  as  marine  fuel  and  the  provision  of  shore  side 
electricity  in  the  ports  of  Canary  Islands.  Moreover  there  is  noteworthy  activity  in  upgrading  the 
operational  capacity  of  key  Spanish  ports,  thereby  contributing  to  the  better  integration  of  the 
maritime transport in the logistics chain.20  

19 Note that European Economic Interest Groups and International Organisations are excluded from the analysis. 
20 Source: INEA 

25