Country Update for the Spanish Geothermal Sector

Abstract

Spain has relevant geothermal resources potential. An appropriate policy framework to develop geothermal energy in Spain could eventually lead to similar rates of geothermal use as other European countries already have. Lack of specific support measures has meant a low uptake of geothermal in Spain, despite its great potential for both thermal and electrical uses. Geothermal energy for power generation is in in Spain. The requested exploration permits were kept in some areas, but expired in others, due to the impossibility of promoting projects under the renewable power auction system that has been established in Spain since 2014. The two auctions of renewable power that took place in 2017 have awarded a total of 8,000 MW, none of which will be used to generate geothermal electricity. The auctions were mainly focused on promoting renewables, such as PV and wind, while novel renewables -as geothermal- were arbitrarily wished away. Regarding the Spanish shallow geothermal sector, geothermal energy for heating and cooling applications and production of domestic hot water enjoys a positive change in the trend. The installation of geo-exchange systems is getting more common in all types of buildings, both in new constructions and in retrofitting applications. Furthermore, public administrations are moving forward at transforming public buildings into sustainable and efficient buildings (even Nearly zero-energy buildings - NZEBs) using geo-exchange systems, single or combined with other renewable technologies (i.e. solar). It’s sure that geothermal energy for heating and cooling applications will play a significant role in the framework of the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECPs), with the aim of contributing to the achievement of Spain's energy and climate change commitments.