Spain missing out on renewable energy potential

The Spanish government's effective veto on renewable energy has been condemned at an event in Brussels organised by Valencian MEP Jordi Sebastià.

A controversial subsidy system for renewable energy exists in Spain. Around one third of Spain's energy is currently produced from renewable sources and critics claim the Spanish government's behaviour is causing massive harm to the sector.

Jordi Sebastià criticised the Spanish government's renewables policy, particularly towards solar energy, which he described as "the biggest economic scam in Spain".

Sebastià argued for a switch to a cleaner, more sustainable, more efficient and above all more transparent energy policy. He criticised the Spanish government's energy reforms which "adversely and unfairly affect the producers of renewables whilst undermining the ability to meet agreed 2020 reduction targets."

There was also criticism of the European Commission's failure to support the renewable industry, given the EU's own targets for clean energy.

The event organised at the European Parliament heard from politicians from various parties as well as academics, and small scale renewable energy producers who have been hit hard by the policy. Sebastià called for a new model for energy policy which puts the interests of consumers ahead of big business and where small scale renewable operations are given a chance to thrive.

The MEP also criticised the trend of opposing subsidies for renewables on the basis that it distorts competition, describing it as a smoke screen for those who want to reduce environmental protection.

Referring to incoming Spanish European Commissioner for Energy and Climate Change, Mr Canete, Jordi Sebastià said: "we will continue to defend and promote the renewable energy sector. It's a sector that has vast potential for job creation, and which is self-sufficient, sustainable and fair."