Energy in Spain
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Integration of electricity systems on the Iberian market
Integration of electricity systems on the Iberian market
Since the Iberian Electricity Market (in Spanish, MIBEL) started to operate as one of the largest electricity system
integration processes for neighbouring countries in Europe, the obstacles that hindered the full development
of the said process have been overcome.
At the beginning of March, the Portuguese and Spanish ministers responsible
for energy ratified the agreements for the harmonisation of technical regulations in Lisbon.
The relation with France has also formed part of the 2007 calendar. The main business has been the
new electrical connection, desired for so many years and never so close as it is now. Indeed, after
the agreement on the route (from Figueres to Perpignan over the Le Perthus pass), the project has been
notably consolidated, with terms for construction that are set to finalise at the end of 2011.
With this new line, which has a capacity of 1200 MW, the percentage represented by Spain's international interconnection capacity would be close to 6% of annual consumption, still
far from the minimum indicated by the European Commission, which is 10%.
On the Spanish scenario, mention must be made of the connection between the peninsular and the Balearic Islands.
The first electricity connection cable is scheduled for termination at the end of 2010 and the second during the first half of 2011.
We must remember that there is a parallel project for connecting the Balearic Islands to
the Spanish gas pipeline network, a connection that will be completed one year before the first electrical
connection.
Iberdrola
Annual
Report
07
Annual Report 2.007: Sedigas - The Spanish Gas Association