Grid nodes earmarked for future capacity and demand auctions are emerging as one of the main sources of uncertainty for renewable energy development in Spain, according to ABO Energy. The warning comes as regulatory clarity and grid access availability increasingly shape investment decisions.
“The main challenge is the uncertainty surrounding the current blockage of grid access in general, and particularly at nodes designated for future capacity/demand auctions,” said Óscar García, Managing Director of ABO Energy Spain, in remarks to Energía Estratégica.
This situation is particularly relevant as the sector awaits further regulatory definitions. Following the award of 928 MW in recent auctions, market attention is now shifting to upcoming demand-related processes. Around 75 grid nodes — linked to 220 kV and 400 kV infrastructure across different regions — could be tendered, potentially reshaping grid access dynamics and opening new development opportunities.
“These factors make it difficult to plan and ensure the viability of new projects,” García added, pointing to a context also marked by administrative delays, a lack of harmonised criteria across regions, and insufficient digitalisation.
At the same time, the company is progressing with an active pipeline designed to navigate these constraints. ABO Energy currently has around 300 MW with secured grid access in advanced permitting stages, while other projects remain at various phases, open to partnerships and strategic applications.
Looking ahead to 2026, the company’s strategy prioritises consolidating ongoing projects, focusing on securing their technical and economic viability before launching new initiatives. In parallel, ABO Energy continues to strengthen its wind power portfolio, positioning itself for future market opportunities once current constraints are eased.
“Hybridisation is a key strategic pillar for ABO Energy in Spain,” García emphasised.
In this regard, the company is developing projects that integrate multiple technologies at a single site.
“We are developing projects that combine the three main technologies — wind power, solar PV and energy storage — both in new or planned installations, as well as in existing plants,” he explained, highlighting an approach aimed at improving operational efficiency and grid integration.
The objective is clear: optimise available grid connection points and enhance system stability. As García noted, “these solutions allow for better use of connection points and improve the stability of the electricity system”.
“We are developing solutions that integrate battery storage with renewable generation, convinced of their strategic role,” he added.
Regulatory barriers and PPA challenges
However, the deployment of storage technologies still faces regulatory barriers. The current framework, García warned, requires further development to provide clear signals and long-term predictability — essential conditions for scaling investment in energy storage.
“The current context has made solar PPAs less viable, mainly due to low market prices,” he explained.
In contrast, wind energy continues to offer more favourable conditions for contract structuring. According to García, wind PPAs “continue to generate interest”, making them a solid route towards financial closure.
At the same time, the company is exploring alternative commercial strategies to diversify risk. “We are also assessing options such as direct sales into the wholesale electricity market,” he added, reflecting a more flexible approach.
With 25 years of experience in renewable energy development in Spain, ABO Energy aims to strengthen its position as a key player in the country’s energy transition, aligning its pipeline with national decarbonisation targets.
“We consider it essential to reinforce investment in electricity networks, both transmission and distribution,” García stated.
He concluded: “Addressing these issues would help ease existing bottlenecks and facilitate both the integration of new renewable capacity and the development of new industrial demand.”
In a market shaped by grid access constraints, pressure on PPAs, and evolving regulation, ABO Energy is doubling down on hybrid renewable energy solutions and wind power as the main pillars to sustain its growth in Spain.
