The UN Special Envoy on Climate Change, Gro Harlem Brundtland, yesterday visited the centre for the control of renewable energies (CECRE) of Red Eléctrica de España, accompanied by Luis Atienza, the company's chairman.

On her visit to Spain, the objective of which is the "II Convention on Climate Change and Sustainability in Spain" held in Albacete, Brundtland showed an interest in this control centre, unique in the world, created to integrate the highest quantity of renewable energy under secure conditions.

The former Prime Minister of Norway and former Director-General of the World Health Organisation showed a great interest in becoming acquainted with the work of Red Eléctrica regarding the integration of renewable energy and admired the leading role played by Spain regarding this global commitment.

Additionally, she indicated that innovation was essential in achieving sustainable development and highlighted the capacity of Red Eléctrica in the use of technological tools to reach the European 20-20-20 objectives (20% reduction in greenhouse gases emissions, 20% share of renewable energy and 20% improvement in energy efficiency).

CECRE is a control centre designed by Red Eléctrica which has facilitated the development of renewable energies and has increased the role of these technologies in the energy mix.

During the visit, Gro Harlem Brundtland had the opportunity to try out, for the first time, an electric car. She was interested in the backing of Red Eléctrica for the incorporation of the electric car as a fundamental element in the integration of renewable energies and for energy efficiency, and considered it a fundamental tool for the future.