Researchers from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), LAB, and BC3 have presented an energy model for the future to foster discussion on the topic. According to this study, published in the journal Utilities Policy, the territory should reduce its energy consumption by 51% and increase local renewable energy production by 386% by 2050.
Currently, Euskadi is one of the regions most dependent on fossil fuels. 79% of the energy consumed comes from them, with the USA being the main supplier, providing 33% of the gas and 12% of the oil consumed. Furthermore, local energy consumption is 13% higher than in mainland Spain, and the current situation is described as "high, bad, and expensive" by the researchers.
In addition to reducing energy consumption, they have calculated that it would be necessary to increase current renewable generation significantly to meet local needs: by 2.6 times for the Chartered Community of Navarre, 5.6 times for the Northern Basque Country, and 7.1 times for the Basque Autonomous Community.
The authors argue that the energy transition will not be just if it is not public and renewable, and that this study aims to promote a debate to address the current energy crisis.
