The DANA that struck Valencia on October 29 left severe consequences for renewable energy installations, affecting both onshore plants and self-consumption facilities in the Valencian Community.

Pedro Fresco, CEO of AVAESEN, explains that “significant damage has been reported both in electronic equipment and other materials.”

The most affected areas include the comarca of l’Horta Sud, Utiel-Requena, and La Ribera.

From UNEF, they assured Energía Estratégica España that no damage has been reported in large energy generation plants, and the Wind Energy Business Association confirmed that no wind farms were affected during the storm.

For its part, José Luis Bernal from the Technological Institute of Energy and Water Resources (ITERH) highlights the magnitude of the disaster: “For many plants, it has become necessary to disconnect the installations from the grid to avoid greater risks.”

Bernal also describes this DANA as “a catastrophe of unprecedented magnitude” and states that “the images of the affected areas are shocking; we have seen infrastructures swept away by water.”

In dialogue with an insurance company, Energía Estratégica España has learned that the situation is so delicate that much remains to be done, understood, and known about the extent of the damage.

The company explains that “as of today, it is difficult to know specific data, as the situation remains hard to estimate.”

Regarding coverage, Fresco adds that “the affected companies will now need to manage the paperwork with their insurance to proceed with the recovery of the installations.”

The Insurance Compensation Consortium, activated in extraordinary circumstances, will manage the coverage.

However, “as of today, there is no data, as it is impossible to calculate the magnitude of the situation at the moment,” say the insurers, highlighting the complexity of the compensation process.

Actions by Iberdrola and Red Eléctrica to restore the supply

Regarding the recovery of the electrical service, Iberdrola has managed to restore 99% of the supply in the affected areas and continues working to restore service to 1,500 customers still without power.

The company has deployed backup generators, and the Generalitat is collaborating in the repair of electrical panels damaged by the floods.

On the other hand, Beatriz Corredor, Chair of the Board of Redeia, notes that the damage to the transmission grid has been severe, especially in Catadau, where “21 supports fell, and another 7 suffered severe damage,” in addition to the Quart de Poblet substation, which was directly impacted by the storm.

“Despite the intensity of the phenomenon, thanks to the mesh grid and the quick response of the Red Eléctrica teams, the transmission network maintains its service under the technically possible conditions,” says Corredor.

Finally, she emphasizes that “Red Eléctrica’s priority is to implement emergency solutions and secure the installations so that, when conditions allow access with heavy machinery, all the elements destroyed by the storm can be repaired as soon as possible.”

“We will continue working closely coordinated with administrations, security forces, suppliers, and companies to respond with the speed and urgency that the situation demands,” concludes the executive.