A team of German and Spanish experts from the World Renewable Energy Council and the Institute for Sustainable Solutions and Innovations, coordinated by Mr Josep Puig, Vice-President of Eurosolar, has analyzed the feasibility of a solely renewable energy supply for Catalonia. The study has been sponsored by La Caixa and the Environment Department of Catalonia’s regional government.
According to the study, in order to achieve a fully renewable supply, wind and solar should be supported by other, non-fluctuating, sources, such as biomass, small hydro or geothermal energy. The report also provides information on energy demand, future energy mix scenarios, simulations of future electricity supply situations and suggestions for politicians to achieve a sustainable energy record.
The report team simulated a 100% renewable system for Catalonia with one week in each one of the year seasons. Research showed how wind and sun are pretty good for the spring and summer, while in other periods small hydro, geothermal and biomass would be needed to cover the full energy demand.
Depending on the speed with which renewable energy technologies are introduced to replace fossil and nuclear fuels in the region, the study suggests two different dates for a fully renewable Catalonia: the year 2035 or the year 2050. The report also suggests that the average price per person for such achievement would be 58 euros per person by 2035 or 84 euros per person by 2050, or 0.2% and 0.3% of the region’s GDP (2005 figures).
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