Spain is advancing its energy storage capacity, having approved over 4.3 GW of various storage projects through environmental permitting from 2022 to 2025. A total of 40 initiatives, including battery and pumped storage projects, have received authorizations, signaling a strong interest from both local and international developers.
The majority of these projects involve integrating battery systems with existing solar and wind farms, totaling 4,300 MW. Notable examples include the Coria Villetas project in Cáceres, which combines 156.2 MW of solar power with 13.75 MW of storage, and the La Nava project in Ciudad Real, where Naturgy plans to add 20.8 MW of battery capacity to a 46.2 MW solar facility.
Key companies like Enel Green Power, Iberdrola, OPDEnergy, Statkraft, and Grenergy have secured permits for systems ranging from 20 to 40 MW, reflecting their strategy to bolster hybrid energy portfolios. While stand-alone energy storage projects remain a minority, they are beginning to gain traction. The Tabiella Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Asturias stands out with a capacity of 100.2 MW and received a favorable environmental impact assessment at the end of 2024.
In addition, projects in Girona and Cádiz, each exceeding 100 MW, highlight the strategic interest in locations that can provide grid services and energy arbitrage. The geographical distribution of these projects is noteworthy: Castilla-La Mancha leads with nearly 1,200 MW, followed by Extremadura with around 900 MW, Andalusia with about 800 MW, Catalonia with 600 MW, the Valencian Community with 500 MW, and Aragon with 300 MW. This distribution correlates with the availability of renewable energy resources and the saturation of grid connection points, where storage can help alleviate potential curtailment issues.
Red Eléctrica reports that there are currently over 25 GW of connection requests for storage capabilities, indicating robust investor interest and the increasing demand for flexibility in a grid where renewables contribute more than 60% of generation during certain months. Recent initiatives, such as a €700 million support program funded by IDAE and the upcoming establishment of a capacity market, are expected to enhance the economic viability of many projects currently in the permitting phase.
Spain is poised for a substantial increase in energy storage capacity. The combination of hybrid systems and substantial stand-alone projects positions the country for an accelerated rollout in the latter half of the decade, aligning with the target of achieving 22.5 GW of storage capacity as outlined in the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) for 2030.
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