Effects of renewables deployment in the Spanish electricity generation sector

Abstract

During the last two decades, a relevant development of renewable energy sources for electricity generation has been observed in Spain. Their diffusion has provoked deep changes that at times have been controversial. The large penetration of renewables under the recent economic conditions has affected power plants, triggering changes in the regulatory framework. In Spain, the use of Combined Cycles Gas Turbines (CCGTs) for complementing intermittent renewables is meant to ensure the security of supply. This paper aims toward a better understanding of the effects of renewables deployment and the modifications of the regulatory framework in terms of resource and capacity support schemes.