Posted on December 3, 2010
Source: EP
The Council of Ministers has approved a Royal Decree that regulates the remuneration regime for the production of electricity from wind and solar thermoelectric technologies, which includes a cut in wind premiums of 35% from its entry into force until December 31, 2012.
This new regulation, which was agreed with both sectors last July, will mean savings amounting to 1,100 million until 2013, reported the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade.
In addition, the new standard means the reinforcement of the visibility and stability of the regulation of these technologies in the future, guaranteeing the current premiums and rates of Royal Decree 661/2007 from 2013 for the facilities in operation and for those included in the pre-registration.
Thus, for wind technology installations covered by Royal Decree 661/2007, and those with a power greater than 50 megawatts (MW) linked to those of special regime, this regulation means that premiums are reduced by 35% from the entry into force of the standard until December 31, 2012.
From January 1, 2013, these facilities will recover the values of the premiums, since the premiums set out in the order revising the rates and premiums of the facilities of the special regime will be applicable.
REGULATED TARIFF OBLIGATION FOR SOLAR THERMAL.
With regard to solar thermal technology installations, the regulated tariff option is mandatory to operate during its first year of operation (i.e. they are excluded from the option of submitting to the premium regime).
Likewise, it has been agreed the delay in the entry into operation of the solar thermal plants with respect to the date foreseen in the organization of the projects submitted to the pre-registration of Royal Decree-Law 6/2009, which will cause savings for the system due to cost deferral.
Specifically, this saving is estimated in the reduction of hours, since for both the production of wind and solar thermal energy, the equivalent hours of operation are limited with the right to premium or equivalent premium of the installations, taking into account the specificities of the different technologies and the provisions of the Renewable Energy Plan 2005-2010 for the calculation of the profitability of the facilities.
This provision does not compromise the profitability of existing facilities and is conceived as a rationalizing measure of the future development of these technologies and will also contribute to generating savings for the electricity system. The application of a limit on hours entitled to premiums will ensure that renewable production above expectations reverts to the benefit of consumers.
CANARY SYSTEM.
In addition, given the unique characteristics of the Canarian Electric System, it has been considered appropriate to establish a power target of 600 MW for this autonomous community. The applicable economic regime will be that of regulated tariff.
Since wind energy will displace other conventional energies that in the Canary Islands, due to their situation, have a higher cost, the overall savings estimated in the PGE, which finance this chapter, is 31.2 million euros in the short term (amounting to 89.6 million euros at the end).
This regulation joins the new photovoltaic regulation approved by the Government last November, which meant premium cuts ranging from 5% for small roof installations to 45% for floor installations, passing through 25% for medium roof installations. (EUROPA PRESS)
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