Economic and Societal Structures
Energy
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy sources are not primarily dedicated to electricity production. Thermal energy, usually produced by primary energy sources like solid, liquid, or gaseous fuels, uses combustion heat to create steam under high pressure. This steam drives turbines, which in turn generate electricity. Thermal hydraulics play a role in electricity production during periods of low rainfall. The great advantage of this production is its regularity. However, its drawbacks include the non-instantaneous start-stop of heating, the polluting nature of power plants, and the strong external dependency due to the need to import much of the fuel.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is mainly used for electricity production. A classical steam plant operates by producing heat, which generates steam. This steam then moves turbines that produce electricity. The advantage of thermonuclear power generation is that it is cheaper than classical thermal power. The cons are the limited lifespan of plants (50 years), the problem of radioactive waste, and the severity of technological risks.
Energy Policy
In 1986, the PER (Plan Energético Nacional) was prepared, which reviewed the exceptionally good conditions of our country for renewable energies. Later, the PEN (Plan Energético Nacional) was elaborated, which aimed to reduce dependence on oil and domestic nuclear energy consumption, increase hydropower production, and promote coal and gas consumption.
Rural Habitat
Human settlements in rural areas can be grouped or scattered. Rural habitats consist of housing and other units, their morphology determined by the construction materials used and the distribution of spaces. Examples include the Catalan Masia and the Andalusian farmhouse.
Industry
Industrial Goods
Industrial goods are essential for industrial manufacturing, transportation, and other industrial activities. Examples include steel, metallurgy, and shipbuilding.
Consumer Goods Industry
This industry focuses on transforming raw materials or semi-finished products into products for use or consumption. Examples include textiles and food.
Scientific Investigation
Scientific investigation has become integrated into economic life and is a fundamental concern for business leaders. The share of GDP devoted to research, especially in new technologies and R&D, has seen a significant increase.
Qualified Manpower
This consists of workers with a certain level of education. Personnel qualification is a method for formulating a rational framework for work remuneration through the assessment of jobs.
Raw Materials
Raw materials are products extracted from the subsoil or provided by agriculture or forestry. They are used by industries to manufacture finished products after undergoing several transformations. An example is wood.
Means of Communication
These tools enable contact and connection between humans. They are organized according to their type and can be material or mass media.
Landscapes
Industrial Landscape
This landscape type is predominantly found in metropolitan areas characterized by the development of industrial clusters. It has evolved in recent years, both in its location and components. Firstly, it has moved from the city center to the periphery through industrial estates and technological parks. Secondly, the landscape of these new industrial spaces has changed.
Urban Landscape
This landscape type corresponds to cities with no primary sector activities, but with a presence of the industrial, manufacturing, and service sectors. The industrial and manufacturing sector has moved outside the city center to industrial parks or technological parks.
Environment
Biological Halt
A ban on fishing during the spawning season has been implemented, along with other measures, to prevent the disappearance of certain marine species.
Technological Park
Technological parks are places where research, development, and innovation projects take place. These projects aim to improve and innovate products and production processes from a technological point of view, especially in applied research. They are characterized by the presence of white-collar workers.
Economy
GDP (Gross Domestic Product)
GDP reflects the total value of goods and services produced in a country during a given period, regardless of the ownership of productive assets. For example, Spanish companies operating in Argentina contribute to the Argentine GDP.
GNP (Gross National Product)
GNP reflects the monetary value of the annual flow of goods and services produced within a country by its nationals, valued at market prices. It is usually measured by adding the total cost of every inhabitant, all public expenditure, and the domestic and foreign investment made by the national industry.
Transport Networks
These systems enable communication between various human settlements. Throughout history, major networks have been quadrilateral, orthogonal, linear, and anarchic. In Spain, we have a centrally planned transmission network.