Southern Europe - Strategic Energy Europe

January 7, 2025
The Galician law mandating the repowering of wind farms at 25 years and the signing of local PPAs has been published

On January 6, 2025, the Official State Gazette published Law 2/2024 of Galicia, which establishes new regulations for renewable energy projects, including the mandatory repowering of wind farms and the requirement to sign PPAs with local companies, a move that has sparked controversy within the sector.

January 6, 2025
Will wind power be key to moderating energy prices this winter 2025?

by Milena Giorgi Keep reading

Wind energy once again emerges as a key factor in stabilizing energy prices this winter. However, geopolitical challenges and market volatility create an uncertain outlook.

January 6, 2025
Farenti: “Developments in Italy in 2025 will be clearer and more streamlined.”

by Emilia Lardizabal Keep reading

With the entry into force of the Testo Unico on December 30, the renewable sector in Italy anticipates a transformation in the simplification of authorizations and the management of acceleration zones. However, uncertainties persist regarding other regulations, such as the implementation of the suitable areas decree. Piero Farenti asserts that the regulation for suitable areas should be canceled and replaced with decree 199/2021.

January 3, 2025
The new clauses being incorporated into renewable PPAs in 2025

by Milena Giorgi Keep reading

The evolution towards a market led by informed buyers highlights protection against negative prices, dynamic structures, and the increasing integration of energy storage for greater flexibility.

January 3, 2025
Renewable energy connected to Endesa’s distribution network exceeds 30 GW

by Energía Estratégica Keep reading

The capacity of connections from small- and medium-scale renewable energy producers and self-consumption systems in Endesa’s grid subsidiary, e-distribución, has increased by 53% since 2020. The capacity of self-consumption installations has reached 3.9 GW, while that of producer installations exceeds 26.8 GW.

Serrano

president

AELEC

January 2, 2025
Serrano from AELEC: “The development of electricity grids requires greater fiscal certainty and regulatory agility”

by Milena Giorgi Keep reading

The Spanish electricity sector faces challenges in financing the necessary grids for the energy transition, according to AELEC’s president. The lack of clear definitions in fiscal policy for 2024 and a model that hinders quick decision-making by electricity companies threaten Spain’s competitiveness.

January 2, 2025
AEPIBAL proposes long-term contracts and decarbonization criteria in the capacity market

by Milena Giorgi Keep reading

The Vice President of AEPIBAL, Eugenio Domínguez, emphasises the importance of securing contracts of at least 10 years and defining clear criteria regarding emissions for the capacity market. The initiative aims to strengthen the competitiveness and viability of energy storage in comparison to conventional technologies.

January 2, 2025
The capacity market proposal under scrutiny: flexibility, cycles, and long-term contracts

by Milena Giorgi Keep reading

The capacity market will allow contracts of up to 15 years, linked to the useful life of assets. With flexibility to transfer rights and a design based on firmness coefficients and stress hours, batteries face new competitive challenges.

December 31, 2024
Spain drives 1,544 MW in new renewable projects across three key just transition hubs

by Guido Gubinelli Keep reading

The Spanish government launches tenders for the allocation of renewable capacity in the Narcea, La Pereda, and Meirama hubs. With a focus on just transition, these initiatives aim to revitalize areas affected by the closure of thermal power plants, generating over 1,500 MW of renewable power and promoting environmental and social sustainability.

December 31, 2024
Growatt wins the award for best photovoltaic brand in 15 global markets in 2024

by Energía Estratégica Keep reading

The company has received this prestigious recognition in 15 markets, including South Africa, Africa, Nigeria, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Italy, the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Poland, the Netherlands, Australia, the United States, and Southeast Asia. This achievement highlights the company’s dedication to providing reliable and innovative energy solutions worldwide.

December 30, 2024
Narcea 400 kV: Spain takes a decisive step with a renewable capacity auction

by Guido Gubinelli Keep reading

The recent ministerial order opens a competitive process to allocate 354 MW of capacity at the Narcea hub, ensuring social, environmental, and technological criteria to revitalize one of the areas most affected by the closure of the thermal power plant.

December 27, 2024
The Challenges Ahead for Electrification and Grids: Key to More Renewables

by Energía Estratégica Keep reading

The Electrification Commission of ENTRA Aggregation and Flexibility has prepared a document that highlights the importance of electrification in sectors such as transportation, industry, and residential.

December 27, 2024
IGNIS optimizes its 50 MW Avejaruco photovoltaic solar plant project.

by Energía Estratégica Keep reading

Its final location is the result of an analysis process of the area to find the optimal site. The project’s launch will create 200 jobs during the construction of the plant and about ten for its maintenance throughout its operational life.

December 25, 2024
Spain strengthens its renewable leadership: solar and wind drive the energy mix in 2024.

by Lucia Colaluce Keep reading

In one year, Spain increased its renewable generation capacity by 19% in solar and 2.7% in wind, reaching a renewable share of 56% in the electricity mix. Regions such as Andalusia and Extremadura stand out in driving solar energy, while Castile and León leads in wind energy.

December 24, 2024
EDP completes the environmental processing of the Soto de Ribera renewable hydrogen project.

by Energía Estratégica Keep reading

It receives the Integrated Environmental Authorization from the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Industry, and Economic Development.

December 23, 2024Spain accelerates its technological leadership in the renewable hydrogen industry

Miguel A. Peña

Secretary

Spanish Hydrogen Association (AeH2)

December 23, 2024
Spain accelerates its technological leadership in the renewable hydrogen industry

by Milena Giorgi Keep reading

With integrated projects and economies of scale, Spain consolidates its position in the development of renewable hydrogen. Miguel A. Peña from AeH2 highlights key initiatives and technologies such as alkaline electrolysis, which are essential for the global energy transition.

December 23, 2024
Disclosure and Consensus: The Concerns of a New Generation of Renewable Energy Professionals

by Milena Giorgi Keep reading

Hàjar El Mansouri, regulation specialist at RIC Energy and a speaker at El Ateneo de Madrid, promotes the energy transition through education, collaboration, and consensus, highlighting the importance of transparency, tangible benefits, and legal certainty in the renewable energy sector.

December 23, 2024
Greece faces 900 GWh of curtailment in 2024: challenges and solutions

by Emilia Lardizabal Keep reading

In 2024, Greece recorded 900 GWh of renewable energy curtailment, a growing issue in the country’s energy transition, according to Stelios Psomas, an energy and sustainability expert, in an interview with Energía Estratégica España. Solutions such as storage and grid strengthening are key to achieving the targets of the NECP (National Energy and Climate Plan).

December 23, 2024
Greek Wind Energy Faces Limited Growth in 2024 but Holds Expectations for 2025

by Emilia Lardizabal Keep reading

Panagiotis Papastamatiou, CEO of the Hellenic Wind Energy Association, stated that 2024 was not a favorable year for the sector. However, there are positive expectations for the coming year, with 1 GW under construction and a target of reaching 6.5 GW of installed capacity within a year and a half. He also pointed out that the main issue lies in delays in the licensing process and an “over-licensing of photovoltaics.”

December 23, 2024
Peña from AeH2: “The second auction of the European Hydrogen Bank is key to consolidating a robust market.”

by Milena Giorgi Keep reading

With three projects awarded in the first auction and strong interest in the second, Spain consolidates its role in renewable hydrogen, driven by exceptional resources and a key strategic position for the European energy transition.

December 20, 2024Pending the capacity market: firmness and flexibility coefficients to boost batteries

Chema Zabala

SEO

Alantra

December 20, 2024
Pending the capacity market: firmness and flexibility coefficients to boost batteries

by Milena Giorgi Keep reading

Chema Zabala from Alantra values the 10-year contract extension and warns that there is a need to define firmness coefficients, emission values, and bring forward the main auctions to maximize the design’s potential.