Mismatch between the Spanish Government's forecasts on installing new renewable energy capacity and the 20% target for 2020

9.10.2015

Question for written answer E-013709-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Soledad Cabezón Ruiz (S&D)

According to Eurostat, renewable sources accounted for 15.4% of Spain’s energy consumption in 2013, and the latest progress report from the Commission suggests that Spain will not meet its 2020 target unless further measures are introduced.

The 2020 energy plan passed by the Spanish Congress on 29 September acknowledges that 8 537 MW of renewable energy capacity needs to be installed if the target is to be reached. Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) has said the planned renewable energy installation is unlikely to go ahead given that, following the retroactive cutback, there was no new investment in the 2014‐2015 period.

However, the only measure planned so far is a tender for 700 MW with an installation timeframe of 48 months, plus a further 450 MW in the Canary Islands. There is clearly no time to develop any 8 537 MW projects before 2020.

In view of this official public information:

Does the Commission think that the measures announced by the Spanish Government, if they do take place, will be enough to guarantee the target for 2020 is met?

If not, is the Commission planning to wait until 2019 to announce that the target will not be met?

Does the Commission intend to take any preventive action to ensure that Spain meets its target of 20% renewable energy by 2020?