Iberdrola Commissions Spain’s First Large-Scale Battery Storage Systems in Alarcón
Iberdrola España, the Spanish subsidiary of the Iberdrola Group, has reached a major milestone in the country’s energy transition with the commissioning of Spain’s first two large-scale battery energy storage systems. Located in the municipality of Alarcón, in the province of Cuenca, the new installations mark a significant step forward in strengthening Spain’s electricity system while accelerating the integration of renewable energy.
The two battery systems, known as Romeral and Olmedilla, each have an energy storage capacity of 60 megawatt-hours (MWh) and a power output of approximately 30 megawatts (MW). Together, they represent a breakthrough in Spain’s deployment of advanced energy storage technologies, positioning Iberdrola at the forefront of innovation in the national power sector.
At full capacity, the Romeral and Olmedilla batteries can store enough emission-free electricity to supply more than 13,000 households for two hours. This capability is particularly valuable in a power system increasingly dominated by variable renewable sources such as solar and wind, which depend on weather conditions and fluctuate throughout the day.
Strengthening Grid Stability and Reliability
Battery energy storage plays a critical role in modern electricity networks. By storing excess renewable energy when production is high and releasing it when demand increases or generation falls, large-scale batteries help stabilize the grid and ensure a continuous, reliable electricity supply.
The Romeral and Olmedilla systems are designed to perform several essential functions. They provide frequency regulation, help manage peak demand, and enhance the overall resilience of the electrical network. In doing so, they reduce the need for fossil-fuel-based backup generation and contribute directly to lowering carbon emissions across the power sector.
As Spain continues to expand its renewable energy capacity, the importance of storage solutions is growing rapidly. Battery systems like those commissioned by Iberdrola allow renewable electricity to be used more efficiently, minimizing curtailment and maximizing the value of clean energy assets.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Beyond their technical and environmental benefits, the Romeral and Olmedilla battery projects have delivered a meaningful economic impact at the local and national levels. Construction of the two installations generated more than 100 jobs, supporting skilled employment in engineering, construction, electrical systems, and project management.
Iberdrola also prioritized the involvement of national suppliers, reinforcing Spain’s industrial base and promoting the development of domestic expertise in advanced energy technologies. This approach reflects the company’s broader strategy of linking the energy transition with economic development, ensuring that investments in clean energy translate into tangible benefits for communities and industries across the country.
The projects further demonstrate that renewable energy and associated technologies are not only central to decarbonization efforts but also powerful drivers of innovation, competitiveness, and long-term employment.
Part of a Larger Strategic Storage Portfolio
The Romeral and Olmedilla batteries are the first two installations in a broader portfolio of six Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) being developed by Iberdrola in Spain. Once completed, these six systems will have a combined power output of 173 MW, significantly enhancing the country’s storage capacity and grid flexibility.
Recognizing the strategic importance of the initiative, Spain’s Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE) has classified the project as a Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE). As part of this designation, the project has received €37.5 million in public funding, underscoring its relevance to Spain’s national energy and economic objectives.
PERTE projects are intended to accelerate transformative investments that support sustainability, technological leadership, and industrial modernization. Iberdrola’s battery storage program aligns closely with these goals by advancing cutting-edge energy infrastructure while contributing to economic recovery and climate targets.
A Cornerstone of Iberdrola’s Decarbonization Strategy
Energy storage is a central pillar of Iberdrola’s long-term strategy to promote electrification and decarbonization across the economy. The company views storage as a key enabler of a clean, efficient, and resilient energy system capable of supporting increased electricity demand from sectors such as transport, industry, and heating.
In addition to large-scale battery systems, Iberdrola has a strong commitment to pumped hydroelectric storage, which remains one of the most mature and reliable forms of long-duration energy storage. By combining pumped hydro with advanced BESS solutions, the company is building a diversified storage portfolio that can respond to both short-term fluctuations and longer-term energy balancing needs.
This integrated approach allows Iberdrola to optimize the operation of its renewable assets, improve grid performance, and reduce reliance on carbon-intensive generation sources. It also positions the company to play a leading role in supporting Spain’s ambition to achieve climate neutrality while maintaining energy security.
Supporting Spain’s Energy Transition
The commissioning of the Romeral and Olmedilla batteries represents more than a technological achievement; it is a tangible example of how energy storage can support Spain’s transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable power system.
As renewable energy continues to expand, the ability to store and manage electricity efficiently will become increasingly critical. Iberdrola’s investment in large-scale battery storage demonstrates how innovation, public-private collaboration, and strategic planning can work together to deliver solutions that benefit the environment, the economy, and society as a whole.
With these first two large-scale battery systems now operational, Iberdrola has set a new benchmark for energy storage in Spain—one that highlights the essential role of batteries in shaping the future of electricity and advancing the country’s decarbonization goals.
Source Link: https://www.iberdrola.com/
