Spain

Spain’s energy demand has increased over 100 percent since the mid-1970’s. Economic growth supported by the EU membership has also contributed to this increased energy consumption. Spain depends upon import for the bulk of its energy needs. Coal represents about 18 percent of the nation’s energy consumption (2008/09). Domestic coal supplies only a part of the nation’s coal demand.
 
Coal is Spain’s most plentiful indigenous energy source. In 2009 the country produced around 10 million tonnes of coal (of which the hard coal production accounted for around 7 million tonnes) while consuming approx. 26,3 million tones in the same year. Country’s strong dependence upon import of coal is clear. The largest share in coal consumption has the power generation sector.

Primary energy consumption & power generation
The share of coal in Spanish electricity production was around 20,6 % in 2008 (8 % was produced from indigenous coal, 12,6 % imported coal). In 2009 around 16,5 % of electricity was generated by using coal (4,0 %  indigenous coal, 12,5 % imported coal).
 
Most of the coal is produced by the government-owned companies. The largest company – Hunosa – is owned by the government through SEPI holding company. Similar to other EU members Spain’s coal industry has struggled to remain competitive vis-à-vis imported coal and other energy sources.
 
In 1978 the government formulated a National Energy Plan. This plan was revised in 1983. The aim of the revised plan was a rationalization of energy consumption and a reduction in Spain’s dependence on imported energy. In 1997 a Plan for the Future of coal mining (1998-2005) was set up. The plan provided for the progressive reduction of public aid to the industry, a 30 percent reduction in production (to be introduced gradually), a plan for the regeneration of mining areas, and a reduction in employment. Under the plan, production would fall from 18 million tonnes to 13 million tonnes.

In March 2006 the National Strategic Plan to Maintain Access to Coal Resources (2006-2012), and a New Model of an Integrated and sustainable Development of Mining Counties was signed.

The plan aims to improve employment conditions and maintain a minimum indigenous production level in order to guarantee access to resources. Spanish coal industry employs directly & indirectly around 50,000 people.

Spain’s coal reserves are found primarily in northern Spain in the Asturias (hard coal) with smaller deposits located near south western Seville, Cordoba and Badajoz and in north eastern Catalonia and Aragon. Most of the country’s lignite is located in Galicia.
 
Source: Methane to Markets Partnership Coal Subcommittee – CMM Global Overview, EURACOAL, MITYC.es – Energia 2009