‘The energy market during the Depression: gas and electricity in Spain and France in the 1930s’

Abstract

The chapter analyses the evolution of gas and electricity in Spain and France in the 1930s, a relevant decade because of the economic depression context in both countries. We study the structure and evolution of gas and electricity production in them, assuming a comparative perspective. These energy sources had been competing with each other since late nineteenth century, and electricity seemed to have won the battle in public lighting after the First World War. Hence, gas companies devoted their efforts to promote alternative uses of it, such as energy for factories and domestic heating and lighting. We will analyse the differential evolution in the consumption of both energy sources, considering the uses that they gave them, as well as the production per habitant, and the level of development in the supply networks. Finally, we frame our study of France and Spain in the context of energy generation and consumption in Latin Europe, which also includes Italy and Portugal.