Energy dependence can be defined as the amount of primary energy that a country needs to import in order to supply itself, whether in the form of heat, electricity or for transport. Therefore, we are talking about a country’s dependence on the outside world for all the energy it consumes.

RENEWABLES, THE BIG BET AGAINST ENERGY DEPENDENCE

Spain is experiencing a boom in renewable energies that points towards 2030 with an ambitious goal: that 42% of the country’s final energy consumption and 74% of all electricity generation should come from renewable sources. This means bringing 60,000 MW of clean energy into operation over the course of a decade.

Our country’s dependence on foreign energy is approximately 73-74%, making it one of the most energy-dependent countries in the European Union, given that the EU’s average energy dependence is 53%.

A high energy dependence has major consequences, such as:

  • Instability in the energy supply: since dependence on other countries for part of the energy consumed by a country can generate alterations in the energy supply, as this is not solely under the control of the importing country.
  • The effects on the economy: because energy dependence on foreign countries means that the economy suffers from continuous fluctuations in the price of energy, which generates instability in the cost of energy. As a consequence, this energy dependence can lead to a deficit in the countries’ balance of trade.

So… Are renewables the solution to our energy independence?

Renewables are playing an increasingly important role as a source of clean energy for consumers and also as a buffer against the international geopolitical situation and the volatility of fossil fuel markets, and one of their main benefits is energy independence.

Renewables are limitless and improve air quality and therefore the quality of life, allowing for a less volatile energy market with greater price stability.

And for our part… What can we do to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels?

  • Use public transport or a bicycle instead of a car.
  • Reuse and recycle packaging and avoid plastic.
  • Buy organic food and clothing to avoid petroleum-based materials.
  • Switch to 100% green and renewable energy.

To reduce energy dependency, it is up to us to promote the use of renewable energies such as solar, hydro and wind power.