Union Fenosa Gas said that, in Q1 2007, it supplied 10,908GWh to the Spanish market, mostly from its plants in Damietta and Oman. This matches the 2006 figure, despite a general decline in gas sales because of high temperatures and higher precipitation.
In addition, Union Fenosa Gas said that its gas sales to the group’s combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plants in Q1 2007 amounted to 5,859GWh. This figure is very similar to 2006’s, which equaled a 20.1% market share, making Union Fenosa group Spain’s top gas-fired power generator, the company said.
In 2007, Union Fenosa Gas expects to increase gas sales to industry and to CCGTs, and is planning to supply approximately 14% of the total gas used in Spain. The entry into force of the CCGT plants in Sagunto, Valencia and Sabon, A Coruna in 2007 will contribute to a 30% increase in gas sales to five billion cubic meters (bcm), the company said.
Gas is a central part of Union Fenosa’s strategic plan for 2007 to 2011 and the company hopes to obtain an additional 2bcm gas from new sources. As a result, by 2011, Union Fenosa will have 8bcm to fuel its combined cycle plants, supply the domestic market and engage in international trading.
According to Reuters, Union Fenosa has also confirmed that it is planning to invest E1.65 billion in boosting its installed renewable power generation capacity in Latin America to 1,400MW from the current 900MW.
While 55% of the company’s new developments will be wind power, 45% will be hydroelectric, Reuters said. Projects announced so far include a wind farm in Baja California, Mexico but the company is also reported to be considering developments in Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia.
According to Reuters, Union Fenosa believes that the Latin America segment of its 2007 to 2011 strategic plan to improve renewable generation in its energy mix could save up to one million tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.
