Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) has selected 126 energy storage projects to receive a total of €818.3 million in funding under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2021–2027 program.

The funding round attracted strong interest, with 1,750 applications submitted, prompting the ministry to increase the original budget allocation by almost 17%, from €700 million to €818.3 million.

Hybrid storage projects account for the largest share of selected initiatives, with 69 awards, followed by 39 standalone battery projects. Smaller numbers of projects involve thermal storage (15) and pumped storage (3). In total, the supported projects will deliver 2.2 GW of power output and 9.4 GWh of energy storage capacity.

Among the hybrid storage projects, the paired renewable technologies are predominantly solar photovoltaic, which features in 38 projects, and wind, included in 18 projects. A further nine projects focus on the hybridisation of thermoelectric plants, while four projects combine storage with both photovoltaic and wind generation.

According to MITECO, once operational, the new storage facilities will enhance the flexibility of Spain’s electricity system and support greater integration of renewable energy sources. The ministry said the projects will help accelerate decarbonisation by ensuring access to lower-cost, emission-free electricity.

Under the terms of the funding, all projects must be completed within 36 months from the date the aid is granted, with final completion required no later than 31 December 2029.