What is energy storage in Spain?

It targets large-scale energy storage projects in Spain. It focuses on technologies like standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS), pumped hydro energy storage (PHES), and thermal energy storage. The program supports hybrid projects, which combine storage with renewable energy, such as solar or wind farms.

Does Spain need a Bess energy system?

Currently, Spain has 6.3GW of hydroelectric and 1GW of thermal storage capacity installed. In fact, the non-BESS storage capacity in Spain is higher than in any other European country. As a result, the need for BESS to integrate renewable energy sources into the electricity system is less immediate than in the UK, for example.

What is Spain's regulatory framework for energy storage?

Spain’s regulatory framework for BESS is set in its Strategy for Energy Storage. The Strategy identifies the required regulatory measures – such as grid access, market structure, and addressing double tolling – that are currently needed to ensure the deployment of a solid energy storage market.

Does Spain have a high interconnection capacity?

Grid-wise, Spain (and the Iberian Peninsula) has a very limited interconnection capacity with the Central Europe network. It is currently close to 3000MW, resulting in a 1.9% cross-border capacity ratio, which is far from the 15% that the European Commission set as a target for 2030.

Are pumped hydro power plants a good option for large-scale storage?

Therefore, the incorporation of efficient storage systems is essential. In this respect, pumped hydro power plants emerge as the most efficient and cost-effective renewable option for large-scale storage.

What are the benefits of energy storage systems?

These installations offer energy storage efficiency, are a flexible and secure solution, promote the integration of renewable sources into the energy system and generate large amounts of energy in fast response times without emitting polluting gases into the atmosphere.