Spain backs batteries to support national energy storage expansion
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'Large-scale batteries' to support electricity system. Photo: Pixabay / Pexels
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Spain’s government has given the green light for a major expansion of the country’s energy storage capacity, which will include a greater reliance on batteries.
Ministers approved a new energy strategy that aims to increase national storage capacity from the current 8.3 GW to 20 GW in 2030 and 30 GW by 2050.
Under the strategy, presented by the ecological transition ministry (MITECO) following public consultation last year, the government plans to encourage the introduction of "large-scale batteries” to underpin the national electricity system.
For behind-the-meter batteries, the strategy sets a storage capacity increase of a minimum of 400 MW for 2030 and says there should be an expansion of vehicle-to-grid technology projects.
Important component
According to MITECO, current energy storage capacity is mainly provided through a mix of pumped hydro and concentrated solar power plants.
However, the new energy strategy blueprint said batteries will be an important component of Spain’s future energy supply and demand system.
On battery technologies, MITECO said: "With a wide variety of possible materials (lithium based, high temperature or sodium based, lead nickel, air metal, or nickel) their future growth prospects are very promising.”
But the strategy document makes clear authorities will also focus on sustainability in the battery supply chain, including recycling.
"It will be necessary to pay attention to the potential uses of storage devices at the end of their useful life. The second life of batteries and other equipment, or the recycling of part of their materials for the fabrication of new components, present a challenge as well as an opportunity,” MITECO said.
Related article in our archive:
Spain consults on raw materials roadmap as Europe's EV battery race gathers pace
Ministers approved a new energy strategy that aims to increase national storage capacity from the current 8.3 GW to 20 GW in 2030 and 30 GW by 2050.
Under the strategy, presented by the ecological transition ministry (MITECO) following public consultation last year, the government plans to encourage the introduction of "large-scale batteries” to underpin the national electricity system.
For behind-the-meter batteries, the strategy sets a storage capacity increase of a minimum of 400 MW for 2030 and says there should be an expansion of vehicle-to-grid technology projects.
Important component
According to MITECO, current energy storage capacity is mainly provided through a mix of pumped hydro and concentrated solar power plants.
However, the new energy strategy blueprint said batteries will be an important component of Spain’s future energy supply and demand system.
On battery technologies, MITECO said: "With a wide variety of possible materials (lithium based, high temperature or sodium based, lead nickel, air metal, or nickel) their future growth prospects are very promising.”
But the strategy document makes clear authorities will also focus on sustainability in the battery supply chain, including recycling.
"It will be necessary to pay attention to the potential uses of storage devices at the end of their useful life. The second life of batteries and other equipment, or the recycling of part of their materials for the fabrication of new components, present a challenge as well as an opportunity,” MITECO said.
Related article in our archive:
Spain consults on raw materials roadmap as Europe's EV battery race gathers pace