Date: 14 January 2014 Time: 18:00-19:00
Convener: Ebro River Basin Authority

Besides its success in the rapid integration of renewable sources into its energy mix, Spain still faces important challenges both in managing the energy portfolio itself and in making the link between water and energy development objectives. On the one hand, the significant but uncertain supply of solar and wind electricity makes the whole system unstable and complex to manage. On the other hand, the energy sector perceives the need to better understand how water constraints are becoming an important driver of energy development. In addition to this energy issues need to be considered when discussing the best way to respond to current water policy challenges. This is particularly important when considering alternatives to modernize the irrigation system or in developing new water sources such as desalinated and recycled water.

The panel will analyse how water and energy management are linked to each other in Spain. Special emphasis will be given to the following issues: the influence of climate change over hydropower production, the importance of water desalination in water stressed countries, the energy challenges of enhancing water efficiency and the role of water in optimizing power generation and use.

José María Marco. Spanish Association of the Electricity Industry (UNESA)
José Luis Pérez. Irrigation Community of the Aragon and Catalonia Canal (CAYC)
Gabiela Mañueco. ACUAMED
Inés Torralba. Ebro River Basin Authority
Alfonso André. INCLAN