Spain and Portugal now have "free" energy. If we do not share it with Europe, it is due to a single reason: France
The Iberian Peninsula is currently experiencing an unprecedented surplus of renewable energy, leading to near-zero electricity prices, a stark contrast to the high costs faced by the rest of Europe. This disparity highlights a significant challenge in cross-border energy infrastructure and integration within the European Union. On February 11th, Spain recorded an average daily market price of €4.23/MWh, with some hours seeing negative prices. Portugal's prices were even lower, at €0.34/MWh, effectively making electricity free. However, crossing into neighboring countries reveals a dramatically different market, with Germany paying €100.62/MWh and the Netherlands €88.70/MWh. This situation creates an "energy island" effect, where the abundance of cheap renewable power in Spain and Portugal cannot be effectively shared with the rest of the continent. Analysts suggest that political interests and France's reliance on its nuclear industry are contributing factors to this lack of sufficient interconnection capacity. This imbalance impacts consumer prices across Europe and raises questions about the efficiency of the EU's energy market integration.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
Source Information
European Alternatives You Might Like
Pixelfed
Pixelfed is a decentralized, open-source social media platform for sharing images. Users can upload and share photos, follow other users, and interact through likes, comments, and shares. Utilizing the ActivityPub protocol, Pixelfed allows for federation, enabling users to interact with individuals on other compatible platforms. It is designed for photographers and anyone seeking a privacy-focused, community-driven alternative to centralized image-sharing services.
Element (Matrix)
Element is a secure, decentralized communication platform built on the Matrix protocol. It allows users to send end-to-end encrypted messages, share files, and participate in group chats. Key features include voice and video calls, bridging with other communication platforms like Slack and Discord, and the ability to host your own server for enhanced privacy and control. Element is suitable for individuals, teams, and organizations seeking secure and private communication, and is particularly beneficial for those who value data sovereignty and open-source solutions.
SoundCloud
SoundCloud is a digital audio distribution platform where users can upload, promote, and share their original music and audio. Key features include music streaming, direct messaging, commenting, and the ability to follow artists and playlists. This platform is primarily used by independent musicians, DJs, and podcasters to share their work, connect with listeners, and build an audience. SoundCloud offers a vast library of user-generated content, providing access to a wide range of music and audio not always available on other streaming services.
Ecosia
Ecosia is a search engine that utilizes ad revenue to fund tree-planting initiatives. Users can perform web searches using the same technology as Bing, accessing search results, images, videos, and news. A counter displays the number of trees planted through user searches, and the company reports on its financial activities, including its impact on the environment and carbon neutrality. Ecosia's primary benefit is its commitment to environmental sustainability, appealing to users who want to support reforestation efforts while browsing the internet.