Proposal for the use of renewable energy in the La Rioja autonomous community (LRAC) (Spain)

Renewable energy represents, approximately, only 10% of the final energy consumption for the Autonomous Community of La Rioja. Nevertheless great use is made of it, with a series of exceptional benefits such as: the decrease in external energy dependence; the boost to local and regional component manufacturing industries; the promotion of regional engineering and consulting services specialized in the use of renewable energy; the development of R&D: the decrease in impact from electricity production and transformation; the increase in the level of services for the rural population; the creation of employment; etc. [1], [2]. To reach these favorable effects a series of actions are necessary, among which we should highlight the following: the creation of an appropriate climate for the development of R & D; training of technicians for the design, production and maintenance of equipment. motivation for setting up a new market; appropriate financing; fostering of appropriate technologies: practical demonstration of results; etc. With appropriate policies, the Autonomous Community of La Rioja could reach an approximate renewable energy use of more than 20% of final energy consumption over the next 11 years. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.