To reach the 2020 target from the 2014 levels, the government plans to focus on

increasing
renewable electricity capacity. It forecasts the need for an additional 8.95 GW,
mainly wind,
by 2020, and plans to organise tenders for new capacity in the coming years. The
government also plans to increase the obligation to use biofuels in transport.
(IDR_Spain 2015)
Table 9.1 Renewable electricity generating capacity, 1990-2013 (MW)
Do wind generators make noise?
Wind generators are not noisy. The evolution of wind technology has made their mechanical noise almost
imperceptible. The aerodynamic humming of the blades when they pass in front of the tower is the main sound they
produce. Whats more, strict guidelines determine the permitted noise level, to the extent that it is possible to go
under a turbine and have a conversation without having to raise your voice. The noise level of a wind generator at
400 metres is 37dBA (between that of a microwave and a fridge). At this distance the humming of the wind generator

in operation cannot be told apart from the environment.

-What are the environmental benefits compared with fossil fuels?
The technologies which burn fossil fuels generate greenhouse gases which contaminate, exacerbate
climate change and affect health and the environment. Wind energy does not generate emissions as its
fuel is the strength of the wind: in 2009, wind energy avoided the emission of 19 million tonnes ofCO2
(the equivalent of planting 2 million trees) and avoided imports of fossil fuels to the tune of 1,541
million Euros.

-How much have Spanish companies invested in wind energy?

This investment has been very profitable for Spain: with over 20,000 MW of wind energy installed,
investment has been attained of over 22 billion Euros, equivalent to the GDP of Honduras.
Is it true that wind energy generates a lot of employment?
Wind energy provides employment to over 35,000 people in Spain. These are quality, very stable work
posts with permanent contracts attaining 82%.

Wind energy as a guarantee of environmental sustainability

Wind energy does not contaminate, is inexhaustible and slows down the exhausting of fossil fuels,
helping to prevent climate change
It is a leading technology at avoiding CO2 emissions
It is the renewable energy which contributes most to Spains commitments to cut CO2
Every kWh produced with wind energy has 21 times less environmental impact than that produced by
oil, 10 times less than that of nuclear energy and 5 times less than gas

McLamb, Eric. 2011. Fossil fuels vs. Renewable energy sources. Accessed
September
25, 2016.

http://www.ecology.com/2011/09/06/fossil-fuels-renewable-energy-resources/
The Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE). 2007 The advantages Last
modified June,
2016. http://www.aeeolica.org/en/about-wind-energy/the-advantages/
Global Energy Network Institute (GENI), 2011. Can Spain Reach 100% Renewable
Energy by 2020?. Accessed September 22, 2016.
http://www.geni.org/globalenergy/research/renewable-energy-potential-ofspain/100_percent_REN_Spain_Nigel.pdf
The local es. 2003. Spain is most polluted country in Europe. Published by May 7,
2015.
Accessed September 22, 2016. https://www.thelocal.es/20150507/spain-hashighest-ozone-pollution-levels-in-europe

International Energy Agency, 2015. Energy Policies of IEA Countries Spain,

2015.
Accessed September 22, 2016.
https://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/IDR_Spain2015.pdf
Kerr, Daniel. 2014. Spain (2013) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Partnership (REEEP). February, 12. Accessed 25, 2016.
http://www.reeep.org/spain-2013
The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). 2016. Wind energy's frequently
asked
questions (FAQ) Accessed September 25, 2016. http://www.ewea.org/windenergy-basics/faq/

Title: To what extent can wind energy replace oil in Spain by 2020.
Outline
Body Paragraph 1: Environmental impact (+)
1) generally, no co2 emissions, no radioactive waste
2) Specifically in Spain air pollution is significant problem (air pollution fact sheet,
Spain, 2014)
Body paragraph 2: Investment and Employment
Body paragraph 3: Efficiency (-)
1) Wind is really dependent on weather (conserve-energy-future, 2013)
2) Efficiency of Oil converting into electricity is 44%, while for wind is 35% (
efficiency in electricity generation, 2003)

Body paragraph 4: Threats of wind energy (-)

1) Oil is cheaper ( the economics of renewable energy, 2014)
2) Birds ( conserve-energy-future, 2013)
3) Noise (conserve-energy-future, 2013)