Finding the right energy mix for Spain is not for the easily- rattled, particularly in these times of high oil and gas prices. The country’s own hydrocarbons production is insignificant, meaning it depends heavily on oil and gas imports for transport, industry and electricity generation.

Hydro-generation, in a largely parched peninsular, varies wildly from year to year. Coal-fired plants, while still an important source of generation, clash with the socialist government’s commitment to the Kyoto protocol on greenhouse gas emissions.