Energy Transition & Climate Change

In order to combat climate change, we need to re-structure the way we produce and consume our energy, specifically by reducing the main sources of greenhouse gases, notably CO₂, CH₄, O₃ y CFH.

At present, IIDMA focuses on making a structural change in the way electricity is produced a reality, especially in Spain’s electric grid. The first – and most logical – step in achieving this energy transition is by withdrawing the use of the fossil fuel that causes the most pollution and emits the greatest amount of greenhouses gases: coal.

Coal continues to be used as one of the main means of producing electricity despite its impacts on our health and environment.

As a consequence, IIDMA has been working to achieve this goal since 2013 by tackling this issue through a legal and political perspective.

The main projects we have done in this field are:

Report: ``A dark outlook: the aftermath of coal``

2019

This report establishes a direct link between carbon emissions and health impacts. Between 2015 and 2016, coal energy production was reduced by 30%. This reduction was associated with a 40.5% reduction in health impacts and saved the Spanish population between 499 and 952 million euros.

Report (pdf)

Report “Public participation in the preparation of the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan: an obligation”

2018

The report establishes and analyses the requirement for early and effective public participation in the preparation of the NECP, as required by the regulations in force.

The report (pdf)

Analysis: Coal Mining in Spain

2018

An infographic analysis that collects the main data on mining in Spain, the Mine Closure Plan and future prospects (In Spanish).

Report (pdf)

Report: “A dark outlook: the impacts on health of coal-fired power plants in Spain during 2014”

2017

In 2014, the emissions from coal power plants were responsible for 709 premature deaths, 459 hospital admissions due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, 10,521 cases of asthma symptoms in asthmatic children. The total costs of the health impacts caused by coal during that year ranged between 880 and 1,667 million Euros.

The report (pdf)

Report on the aspects of energy transition within Spanish law and policies

2013

Funded within the Life+ framework awarded to the Justice & Environment Organization (of which IIDMA is a member) in 2013, we conducted an evaluation that examined Spanish law and policies regarding:

Renewable energy production
Smart grids that capable of distributing and storing energy produced by renewable energy sources
Decreasing energy use, including energy efficiency

Study on climate change factors in the EIA and the EAE in Spain

2012

Funded within the Life+ framework awarded to the Justice & Environment Organization (of which IIDMA is a member) in 2012, we conducted two case studies that analysed how climate change was taken into account as part the environmental impact and environmental strategies evaluation processes at the Balboa refinery and within the Plan de Energía Renovable (2011-2010), respectively.