Review of compliance with EU-2010 targets on renewable energy in Galicia (Spain)

The use of renewable energy offers a range of exceptional benefits, including: a decrease in external energy dependence; a boost to local and regional component manufacturing industries; promotion of regional engineering and consultancy services specialising in the use of renewable energy; increased R&D, decrease in impact of electricity production and transformation; increase in the level of services for the rural population; creation of employment, etc.To achieve these benefits, a series of actions are required, among which the following are particularly important: creation of a suitable climate for performing R&D; training of technicians in design, production and maintenance of equipment; motivation for establishing a new market; proper financing; fostering of appropriate technologies; practical demonstration of results, etc.This article reviews the progress made in the Autonomous Community of Galicia in terms of the introduction of renewable energy technologies (RETs) and examines the possibility of meeting a target of 90% coverage (practical electrical self-sufficiency) by 2010, of which 51% would come from wind power, with a saving of 4000 ktoe of primary energy, and prevented emissions of 12×106 t of CO2 per year.