An Analysis of the Development of the Cogeneration Sector in Spain: A Comprehensive Review of the Period 1980–2020 from a Regulatory Perspective

Angela Adamo, Jordi De la Hoz (), Helena Martín, Joan Rubio and Sergio Coronas
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Angela Adamo: University Research Institute for Sustainability Science and Technology, Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), Jordi Girona 1-3, Building K2M, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
Jordi De la Hoz: Electrical Engineering Department, Barcelona East School of Engineering, Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), Av. Eduard Maristany 16, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
Helena Martín: Electrical Engineering Department, Barcelona East School of Engineering, Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), Av. Eduard Maristany 16, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
Joan Rubio: SEAT S. A., Autovia A2 km 585, 08760 Martorell, Barcelona, Spain
Sergio Coronas: Electrical Engineering Department, Barcelona East School of Engineering, Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), Av. Eduard Maristany 16, 08019 Barcelona, Spain

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-27

Abstract: Combined Heat and Power (CHP) has been identified by the EU as a powerful resource capable of making substantial contributions to energy savings and reducing GHG emissions. Spain’s effort to promote CHP has been prolific since the 1980s. In this regard, there have been various Laws, Royal Decrees (RDs) and European Union (EU) Directives addressed to reach the national objectives set for the CHP sector. Despite these attempts, the evolution and growth of installed CHP capacity has been irregular, compared to other technologies. Likewise, the academic treatment of the Spanish CHP evolution has not deserved the same attention as other technologies such as wind, photovoltaic and thermal solar systems. As a result, this article is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the regulatory frameworks applied to the Spanish CHP sector and analysing the reasons behind the variable evolution of the installed CHP capacity. The study covers the legislative context from 1980 to 2020, describing the evolution during both the pre-liberalization and liberalization periods, highlighting the modifications in economic policies that affected self-producers and the so-called Special Regime (SR) for CHP, and examining the challenges faced during the cost containment measures that followed. The manuscript finds and explains the connection between the regulatory framework and the evolution of installed CHP capacity in Spain. Likewise, the connection between the industrial situation and the promotion of CHP, as well as the influence of the Spanish Electricity Sector (SES)’s liberalization on the CHP sector are also pointed out. The paper intends to provide valuable insights for CHP experts and policymakers by showcasing the importance of aligning regulatory measures with the objectives of energy efficiency. It also serves as a reference for countries in various stages of promoting CHP, and provides evidence for the importance of stable energy-policy control mechanisms.

Keywords: cogeneration; CHP; self-production; regulatory framework; energy policy; special regime; promotion; Spanish electricity sector; Spain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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