In the first quarter of 2013, 533GWh, or 5% of total wind generation, was curtailed, according to national wind association AEE.
Giving priority to offloading swelling hydroelectric reserves has coincided with a downward electricity demand trend. At the same time, weather conditions have made wind power the country's top generator for four months running.
AEE claims the sector to be a victim of its own success. Since 2007, Spanish wind operators have introduced systems offering the grid operator advanced real-time monitoring and emergency override control of plant operations.
The association has called on the government and regulator to review curtailment procedures and to introduce compensation for lost income, "as happens in other EU countries like Germany, Italy and Ireland".
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