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Abstract During the last two decades, a relevant development of renewable energy sources for electricity generation has been observed in Spain. Their diffusion has provoked deep changes that at times have been controversial. The large penetration of renewables under the recent economic conditions has affected power plants, triggering changes in the regulatory framework. In Spain, the use of Combined Cycles Gas Turbines (CCGTs) for complementing intermittent renewables is meant to ensure the security of supply. This paper aims toward a better understanding of the effects of renewables deployment and the modifications of the regulatory framework in terms of resource and capacity support schemes. Highlights • A relevant development of RES has been observed in the Spanish electricity system. • A substantial loss of generation was detected for Spanish CCGT. • National regulatory framework in the field of electricity changes continuously. • A clear regulatory position should be taken in order to re-order the electricity sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This research aims to analyse the impact of feed-in tariffs, feed-in premiums, and capacity payments on electricity generation by source. It also assesses their consequences for interactions between electricity sources, while considering the market price. Monthly data for Spain, from January of 2010 to February of 2017, and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag approach were used. The results reveal that both feed-in tariffs and feed-in premiums appear to contribute negatively to electricity production from wind. Capacity payments appear to encourage fuel and natural gas producers to bid low and increase electricity production from renewable resources. Highlights • This paper considers feed-in tariffs, feed-in premiums and capacity payments. • It uses monthly data and an autoregressive distributed lag approach. • The interactions between electricity sources are assessed, while studying the market price. • The feed-in system is found to contribute negatively to electricity generation from wind. • Capacity payments are found to decrease the uncertainty felt by controllable-source producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper critically analyzes the Spanish privatization model of urban water management implemented over the last three decades. The high concentration of private participation in the industry, the absence of competition, and regulatory deficiencies appear to have put the interests of water customers at risk. Improvement of governance is not guaranteed simply by changing water-system management from public to private. In Spain, an array of institutional reforms are needed to rationalize a change in management structure for this service, reorganize technical operations, improve the administrative framework, increase transparency, and promote citizen participation. This paper moves beyond the simple public–private controversy and contributes to the literature by using fieldwork conducted by the authors to assess private participation in the management of urban water services in Spain; by identifying gaps in the privatization processes as well as failures in the industry; and, above all, by proposing reforms to Spain's institutional and regulatory frameworks for the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper investigates hydro-pumped storage appraisal and commissioning in Italy and Spain. It argues that analyses to evaluate what is the most cost-efficient flexibility solution, including the possibility of improving existing facilities and regulatory frameworks, should be implemented on a case-by-case basis, as electricity storage is only one out of many possible sources of flexibility. Where pumped hydro is identified as the best solution to provide the ancillary services needed, a market''s ability to deliver it should then be tested, by addressing the major concerns for ex-ante appraisal the paper identifies. Only where a market ‘fails’ to deliver such capacity, a case for commissioning hydro-pumped storage may be justified. The key areas are then: (i) the criteria to define capacity adequacy and (ii) the procedures to select who should build and who should run such facilities. The risks and challenges identified suggest that this solution should be considered with caution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper studies the dynamics of concentration in the Spanish market for the provision of urban water service by private contract operators in the 2000–2020 period. The market is highly concentrated. Concentration increased until 2007, at which point it started to decline when Law 30/2007 on Public Sector Contracts and Organic Law 8/2007 on Political Party Financing were passed; before rising again from 2016 onwards. This latter trend results from strategic behaviour by the two leading operators, acquiring smaller companies with a notable presence in some regional markets. Further legislative reforms aimed at safeguarding space for competition are thus proposed. • The Spanish market for the private provision of urban water service is highly concentrated. • Concentration declined when Law 30/2007 on Public Sector Contracts and Organic Law 8/2007 on Political Party Financing were passed in 2007. • Concentration rose again from 2016 onwards following the acquisition of smaller operators by the two large market players. • Accordingly, some recommendations for further policies aimed at boosting competition for this market are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most research on water poverty focuses on developing countries. However, research is also needed in developed countries, where water may be too expensive for some households. This paper examines the case of Spain, using data from 16 cities that combined are home to 35% of the Spanish population. We study both national and local systems of regulation and governance. The objective is to determine whether low-income families face a genuine threat of exclusion from water supply. To this end, we analysed whether the Spanish legal framework allows that water supply is cut off for non-payment of the bill. We also did different estimates of the percentage of the family income spent on the water bill, which in some cases can surpass 10%. The estimates account for tariff discounts, as well as assistance programmes available to those who are struggling to pay their water bill. Although there is no problem of affordability for an average Spanish family in general, we conclude that families at risk of poverty face a real threat of exclusion from water services because they are not able to pay for them and the institutional framework does not sufficiently protect them. • Water poverty in developed countries needs to be researched. • Water affordability in Spain is analysed using a sample of 16 cities that covers more than 35% of national population. • There is no transposition of Human Right to Water in the Spanish legislation. • Low-income families may not have access to water supply when they are not able to pay for the service. • National regulations should guarantee the right to a minimum amount of water for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]