The Spanish Gas Association (Sedigas) is pleased to present its 2009 Annual Report, a publication which collects the main energy and, especially, gas figures, both at national and international level.

In 2009, we were immersed in a very difficult economic situation, which has slowed down the pace of the industry and of the economy, in general. This context, together with the satisfactory functioning of renewable energies, was the reason for a drop in the natural gas consumption in our country.

The gas system provides strength and flexibility for generating electricity. The high variability and the low predictability of some renewable energies mean that combined cycle power stations are a guarantee of the coverage of the peaks of electrical demand, due to the rapid response they offer, their efficient performance and fewer gas emissions with regard to other fuels.

One of the great virtues of the Spanish gas system is the security of supply. In 2009, Spain received gas from 11 different markets, 74% of the supply came in the form of liquefied natural gas and, at present, our country regasifies 60% of the gas that reaches Europe, through its 6 regasification plants.

The international connections with France, that received a significant impulse during 2009, together with Medgaz, are another step forward in the security of supply in our country and that of the European continent, for which Spain will be a corridor for the entrance of gas.

The weight of natural gas in the mixture of primary energy continues with values similar to the average for Europe (25%). During 2009, Spain situated itself in the sixth position of the main European consumer countries, with more than 7 million customers, with a significant advantage: 74% of the Spanish population live in municipalities with gas, but only 31% use it. This reflection shows that natural gas still has a long way to go.

I hope that the 2009 Annual Report will be a useful resource of information and will transmit the virtues and the power that natural gas still has for the development of our society.