A new law to fast-track the energy transition. The Valencian Community is moving forward with a reform designed to radically speed up the permitting process for renewable energy projects. The new law will be based on three strategic pillars: regulatory streamlining, full digitalization of administrative procedures, and enhanced documentation quality.
“We want all documents to be signed, consistent, and uploaded to a digital platform where the system can automatically verify their accuracy,” explains Manuel Argüelles Linares. The announcement was made during FES Iberia 2025, a key event that brought together over 400 executives from the renewable energy sector.
The initiative also includes the incorporation of external certifying bodies, which will review and validate project files before submission to the administration. Additionally, data-processing platforms will be redesigned to enable automatic consistency checks. “Public officials should focus on analysis, not paperwork,” Argüelles stresses.
Ongoing simplification process
This legislative package builds upon an already active simplification strategy in the region. According to Argüelles, construction permits have increased tenfold in just over a year, and many of these are expected to soon move into the operational phase.
One of the most awaited changes is the reduction of public information procedures. “Our goal is to go from an average of seven to no more than two,” he points out. This streamlining will not only shorten development timelines but also help avoid legal conflicts and improve institutional clarity.
The government also plans to implement a protocol ensuring that reports from different agencies are aligned and submitted on time. “We’ve seen cases where one agency asks for something, and another demands the exact opposite,” Argüelles warns.
Multisectoral momentum and energy autonomy
This regulatory effort aligns with a broader regional energy strategy recently unveiled by President Carlos Mazón, which includes 14 action pillars ranging from the promotion of solar and wind power to the development of biomass, biogas, green hydrogen, energy storage, CAEs, energy efficiency, and electric vehicles.
“The energy transition is an unprecedented challenge, but we must tackle it from every possible vector,” Argüelles asserts. One strategic priority behind this agenda is to reduce dependency on imported natural gas, especially amid ongoing geopolitical risks.
“If the Strait of Hormuz is closed or the conflict with Iran escalates, 20% to 30% of global gas flow could be impacted,” the official warns, emphasizing the serious implications for key regional industries such as ceramics, which rely heavily on gas.
A replicable, non-ideological model
Argüelles highlights that the Valencian model draws from successful simplification experiences in other regions. “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel—just applying common sense and removing ideological barriers,” he states.
“The priority is for Spain to become a global leader in renewable energy for the first time in its history,” he adds, pointing out that the private sector is ready to execute plans that have long been stuck on paper.
While recognizing a strong consensus among Spain’s autonomous communities, Argüelles calls for greater agility from the national government. “All regions agree on what needs to be done, but the national energy planning is already nine months behind,” he warns.
Still, he emphasizes the collective determination shown at FES Iberia 2025: “Everyone here wants to turn these plans into reality. The only thing the administration must do is not get in the way.”
