Situations and problems of renewable energy in the Region of Murcia, Spain

Renewable energies in Spain have been promoted since 2002, proof of this lies in the fact that in 2007 renewable energy accounted for 6.9% of the consumption of primary energy. The renewable energies market is one of the sectors with the greatest growth in recent years in Spain and is key to the energy policies at national level. Both at national and regional level diverse targets have been set for the production of renewable energies, this article seeks to analyse the potential, current state, and perspectives of renewable energies in the Region of Murcia, investigating the possibilities of fulfilling the objectives established. The solar energy potential should be highlighted, where most of the territory has more than 5.0 kWh/m(2); also the wind power potential, where in certain areas there are winds of more than 6 m/s; and the biogas potential due to the extensive livestock herds. With reference to the targets for photovoltaic and wind power, these have been reached; but in the rest of the energy sources the fulfilment of the objectives depends on favourable management and administration policies. Likewise, a comparative study of the state of the Region of Murcia has also been carried out, taking the national situation as the reference. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.