In November, demand for natural gas grew 11.6% year-on-year to 37,653 GWh. Demand for gas in the conventional sector —domestic-commercial, industrial and cogeneration consumption — rose 18.1% (to 25,772 GWh) in the quarter compared to the prior-year figure, largely due higher industrial consumption and increased consumption caused by the lower temperatures. The demand for electricity generation stands at a similar level to what was registered during the same period a year ago.
In the year to date, conventional demand increased 10.1% in year-on-year terms. Total demand was practically the same as in 2009 — only 0.4% less. The demand for electricity generation fell 15.5% with respect to the eleven first months of 2009. This decline was mainly due to high rainfall and the increase in electricity generation from renewable sources. Generation from combined cycle thermal power plants, representing 25% of the total installed capacity and production, makes the greatest contribution to electricity generation in Spain.
Conventional demand at the end of 2010 is expected to reach a similar level to what was registered in 2008, recovering the consumption levels seen before the crisis.
