Construction of Spain’s first grid booster batteries to begin in January

Spanish grid operator REE has received administrative construction authorization from the Ministry of Business, Employment and Energy for the installation of SATA batteries at the Mercadal 132 kV substation.

With the permitting stage of the project complete, construction is due to begin in January 2025.

The development comprises two 25 MW/18.75 MWh systems in what REE says will be the largest storage as a transmission asset system in the south of the European Union and the first in Spain. The grid company plans to invest €50 million ($52.5 million) in the project, which is included in its current electrical planning schedule, with a 2026 start date.

Works to develop the battery project come in addition to those underway at the Mercadal substation since November 2024, for the construction of grid access for an adjacent solar park.

REE said the battery work could be completed in 2025 and the solar grid connection is expected before summer 2025.

The grid company said the batteries “are essential to maximize the contribution of the links of the interconnected Balearic electrical system and thus also improve the security of supply of the Balearic system. As part of the network, the batteries will allow for increased energy exchange on the Menorca-Mallorca link and between the peninsula and Mallorca.”

That will mean greater grid flexibility, reduced thermal power generation, lower system costs and reduced CO₂ emissions.

From pv magazine España.