Spain is already the largest foreign investor in renewable energies in the U.S.

For once, Spain is located in the front row of a technological revolution. After arriving with years or even decades of delay to the introduction of steam, oil or the information age, the country stands as a world leader in the latest revolution in renewable energy. And it does also have a clear direct impact on the primary market and technology leader in the world: the United States. The president of the Chamber of Commerce in Spain U.S., Jaime Malet, is blunt: ‘Spain is already the largest foreign investor in the renewable energy sector in the United States. The bet of Spanish companies in the sector at the main market of the world relies on its development potential and, according to Malet, ‘in its ability to shape the future of the energy standard.

Examples of the Spanish presence in the U.S. market for renewable speak for themselves: Gamesa is the fourth largest producer of wind generators, Acciona has two wind farms, Iberdrola has bought Comunity through PPM Energy and Scottish Power, Abengoa is a leader in biofuels and construct the largest solar power installation in the world in Phoenix (Arizona). Two weeks ago was held in Washington on the third world congress of renewable energy, an event whose next seat might be in Spain.

Shortly before, a delegation headed by Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism and Trade, Pedro Mejia and the general secretary of Energy, Ignasi Nieto, toured the U.S. in search of new opportunities.

The Spanish private sector representation was abundant, with leaders of Abengoa, Acciona, Elecnor, Endesa, Gamesa, Iberdrola Renovables, Isofoton, Isolux, Siliken, Solaria and Union Fenosa, in addition to the presidents of the Association of Producers of Renewable Energies, José María González Vélez, and the Chamber of Commerce of the United States in Spain.

Malet believed that there are nearly 100 Spanish companies could find a niche in this marketplace. In his view, consideration of the map is essential, ‘must be located in states with favorable legislation and public opinion. Is the case in California, Texas, Iowa, or Colorado Minnessotta. Up to 27 states have committed to in 2020 to 20% of its energy generation from renewables.

Tax incentives for investment in renewable energy sector will remain juicy. Acquaintances PCT (production tax credits) “will be renewed this year,” says Malet, ’so that a stable framework is expected until 2014.

The government´s next bet as in many other respects, the two four-year administration of George Bush are likely to be a lull in the policy to combat climate change. The Bush Administration has refused to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, but nobody doubts that the next occupant of the White House betting so much clearer for renewable energy. The Democratic Party has always been more sensitive to global warming, on which its two potential candidates (something else that Barak Obama Hillary Clinton) are very proactive. But even the Republican candidate, John McCain, is a renowned environmentalist. In addition to emission control, is among the politicians the opportunity to reduce dependence on oil from third countries.

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