The wind energy sector has lost 255 million euros in the first half by the measures taken by the Government

The wind energy sector has lost 255 million euros in the first half as a result of the measures taken by the Government this year, which are the 7% tax on electricity generation and modification downward of the remuneration of the wind as a result of the Royal Decree-Law 2/2013.Wind power Business Association (AEE) shows that the sector is the limit for what, if the next energy reform entails further cuts for wind, would check the survival of a large number of parks and jobs.

Since the beginning of the year and as a result of the measures already taken, 25 farms jobs have been destroyed daily, which represents a total of 3,600 jobs lost; nine factories have been closed and three others are in the phase of suspension of activity, according to data from ESA. The sector expected impact in their accounts of some 6,000 million euros until 2020.

Therefore, AEE requests the Government that both the tax of 7% and the Royal Decree-Law 2/2013 will be temporary and linked to the recovery of the demand for electricity, as well as the loss of income is compensated extending the life of more than twenty current wind premiums. Also requests that take into account that the wind, despite not being the culprit of the tariff deficit, have already paid with these measures, so it should not be affected by the upcoming energy reform. The wind sector has always grown according to the objectives and costs that has marked it the regulator. In fact, in 2012 generated 18% of the electricity consumed in Spain and his total compensation represented only 11% of the total costs of the system. In addition, the Spanish wind power incentives are among the lowest in Europe (only Sweden, Denmark and Ireland are lower).

ESA considers that the Executive should take into account when regulating the Spanish wind energy sector is one of the few sectors in which Spain is a world leader, as well as an example of production model by its technological patents, their exports of advanced technology and their jobs highly qualified, not to mention its contribution to energy independence and security of supply, among other things.

In the first half of 2013, the wind was the first system technology, 22.59% of total generation. Wind farms have been 29.933 GWh in the first six months, 20.2% more than in the same period of the previous year. In fact, they are already eight consecutive months in which the wind has been technology that more electricity has contributed to the Spaniards. Thanks to the wind, Spain saved 1.560 million euros in imports of fossil fuels, and avoided the issue of 12 million tonnes of CO₂ in the first six months of the year.