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Conclusions from first Spanish local workshop
The Diputacion of Huelva, which is the Spanish partner in the WICO project, has held 2 local workshops. The first was held in February 2010 and the second in May 2010 and 15 key stakeholders attended the events.
The main conclusions from the two workshops were as follows:
Main conclusions of 1st local workshop:
* Local authorities are not aware of the difference between large wind and small wind.
* There is no current legislation specifically for miniwind and hence the feed-in-tariffs don't take this into account.
* There is a similar situation with the environmental laws which mean in Andalusia installations must go through the same process which can take up to 2.5 years to complete.
* The miniwind sector believes it is key to encourage isolated installations and not large miniwind parks, and must avoid the same issues that occurred with PV in Spain. * There is a need for good government legislation and better knowledge at the local level.
* Connecting to the grid is currently also problematic and you have to abide by RD1955, and in general off-grid installations are considered more appropriate at the moment. For which, in theory you still need planning permission, although often this is flouted.
* It is felt that to sensistize the public beginning with the off-grid market may be preferable.
* There are many restrictions to installing in National Parks.
Main Conclusions of the 2nd local workshop:
* There is a new law being proposed which could dramatically change the market for miniwind, a law specifically for microgeneration.
* Currently the tariff is unfavourable, the same as big wind. The new law proposes for miniwind up to 100kW for feed-in-tariffs similar to that of other EU countries of around 0.30€ per kWh.
* It is generally felt by those present that FIT are better than subsidies, although this does depend on the country’s characteristics.
* A different financial model will be required than that of large speculators as was the case for PV.
* It is felt that the technology is not yet mature and many savings in efficiency and costs can still be made.
* We are in a catch 22 where the Administration is waiting for the product, and the producers are waiting for the market.
* One of the best proposals for the new law will be that the electricity company will be obliged to connect you, unless it can come up with proof that this is unviable.
* More installer training is needed.
* Planning charges by local authorities can be charged, up to 10% of the costs of the insallation which is a huge barrier.
* For individuals to connect to the grid they must register as self-employed and pay 250€ per month.
* Other barriers are the method of energy billing which doesn’t encourage energy savings with too many fixed charges.
Initial Recommendations are as follows:
For policies
* Awareness and dissemination campaigns (local job Vs wind parks).
* Accreditation based on real production of small wind turbines.
* Guaranteeing of production from installers(investors).
* Avoid large mini wind parks to avoid feeding negative perception.
* Training and formation, such as the Energy Managers on line courses, being done by the Diputacion of Huelva.
* Strong political commitment.
For Legislation
* Differentiation needed between grid-connected wind parks and mini wind(grid connected or stand alone).
* A FIT of least 0.20€ (it is actually 0,45€ in Portugal).
For Planning Authorisation
* For Grid-connected systems Delays in permits should be shorter and fast-track solutions should be sought.
* For Off-grid, the permits should be much simpler
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