Energía, innovación y transportela electrificación de los tranvías en España, 1896-1935

Resumen

The aim of this paper is to analyse the electrification of tramways in Spain and its economic and social impact. We will firstly look at the electrification of trams, both from a chronological and geographical point of view. Then we will analyse the change of the business model which facilitated the change from traction. Finally, we will evaluate the forward looking and backward looking effects of the electrification of urban transport. The results of the research show the relative backwardness of the Spanish electrification and the decisive role played by the Belgian and German companies. The main positive effect of the electrification was the increase of urban mobility. Nevertheless, the process had important weaknesses, such as its lack of ability to support the Spanish technological innovations along with the firms which provided highly sophisticated inputs.