LEFT-WING opposition party Podemos has come up with an ambitious renewable energy and anti-pollution plan that would see all nuclear and fossil fuel plants shut down by the year 2026.
The party led by Pablo Iglesias said employees affected by the closures would be offered the chance to relocate within their companies or, if they were not willing or able, plans would be set up ahead of time to give them similar jobs within 'more sustainable sectors' in the same towns.
Their aim is to cut CO2 emissions by 35% by the year 2030, by 70% for 2040 and by 95% by 2050, based upon levels registered in the year 1990, and to have all of Spain's energy needs provided from renewable sources by the year 2050.
Podemos refers to scientific evidence showing that air pollution is one of the biggest causes of preventable death – six million people on earth lose their lives every year as a direct result – and showing that climate change could have 'potentially devastating' effects and that not enough is being done on a global level.
The year 2016 was the warmest since 1880 and, in Spain, emissions rose by 4.4% between then and 2017.
Podemos wants to encourage self-sufficient energy supply, which will mean axing the so-called 'sun tax' aimed at compensating utility giants for the growing number of residents who use solar panels rather than connecting to the mains.
The party also wants to see incentives for individuals, public institutions and small and medium-sized businesses to invest in renewable energy.
Podemos' energy plan also covers household finances: all households with a net income of less than €1,600 a month – three times the 'breadline' or so-called IPREM – to be eligible for different levels of discounts on their gas and electricity bills depending upon the number of people living in each house and their level of dependency or autonomy.
A similar system would be created for water bills and a minimum annual household consumption would be guaranteed.
Extra taxes on the most-polluting elements – companies and energy plants responsible for the highest CO2 emissions – including graded road tax based upon emissions levels are included in the plan, and the government should aim for 100% of cars sold in Spain by the year 2040 to be electric.
The 140-page proposal includes other measures that encourage recycling, home renovation for energy efficiency, and gender parity in all energy supervisory organisations.
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