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Spain's power consumption increased by 1.9% in 2015

According to preliminary data by Spanish electricity transmission network operator REE, electricity consumption in Spain increased by 1.9% in 2015, for the first time after four years of decrease.

Power generation increased by 0.4%, due to a 22% increase in coal-fired power generation (coal accounted for 21% of the power mix in 2015) and to a 17% increase in CCGT power generation (11% of the power mix). Hydropower generation (about 10% of the power mix) fell by more than 28%, while nuclear dipped by 1% to 21% of the power mix. Wind power generation declined by 5.2% but still accounted for 18% of the power mix; solar PV generation rose by 0.7% only (3% of the power mix), while CSP generation increased by 4% to 2% of the power mix.

In 2015, Spain remained a net exporter of electricity, though the exchange balance contracted from 6.7 TWh in 2013 to 3.4 TWh in 2014 and 467 GWh in 2015: Spain was a net importer from France (7 TWh) and a net exporter to Portugal (2.3 TWh), Andorra (268 GWh) and Morroco (4.9 TWh).