The premiums to the wind reduced 3,2% in the first quarter

This decrease occurred because, although wind power remained at similar levels to the first quarter of the previous year (0.8% reduced), the average price of the electricity market stood at 50,72/MWh, representing an increase of 9.4% in the period, due to the rise in prices of fossil fuels (the price of a barrel of Brent crude up 16%). The total compensation to the wind consists of the price of the market more a cousin who descends to climb the pool.

In the first quarter, the wind has generated 48% of electricity in the special regime and has received 24% of the premiums. Other technology perceived less remuneration which, in the same period of the previous year, was the small hydro.

Wind energy received 1.707 billion euros in the whole of 2011 in respect of premiums and accessories, according to final data published by the CNE. This represents a 13% less compared to the amount seen in 2010. And it assumes that the contribution of wind energy to the increase in the deficit of rate was zero in 2011.

Wind energy is renewable energy more mature and competitive. Premiums received have been offset by the reduction that has worked in the wholesale electricity market prices, having no cost of fuel (marginal cost), and the benefits both the environment and the economy. Among other things, the sector exports by more than 2 billion euros a year, contributes more than 3 billion to the GDP and reduces the import bills of around 2,000 million fossil fuels, while the employs 30,000 people. Therefore, Spanish wind energy is today a world reference sector, as well as an example of compliance with the objectives of energy policy since its inception.