Energy storage emerged as a standout segment in Spain’s renewable energy pipeline during the first quarter of 2026, registering remarkable year-on-year growth while photovoltaic (PV) projects showed a clear slowdown, according to the quarterly report from Opina 360’s Renewable Energy Observatory.
A total of 96 energy storage projects with a combined capacity of 2,121.5 MW entered the public consultation phase in Q1 2026, marking a 464% year-on-year increase (+1,745.8 MW) despite a slight quarterly dip. Battery systems dominated this capacity, accounting for 98.9% (2,098.2 MW) either as standalone facilities or co-located with generation assets.
At the administrative level, regional governments handled more projects, while the Ministry for Ecological Transition oversaw 62.4% (1,324.8 MW) of the storage capacity in the public information phase. In advanced stages, 46 storage projects (1,144.6 MW) received favorable environmental impact statements, and 15 projects (239.6 MW) obtained construction authorization—almost all battery storage. Notably, a 1,014 MW pumped-storage hydroelectric project in Cantabria also secured preliminary administrative approval.
Regionally, Andalusia led in storage capacity under public information (630 MW), followed by the Valencian Community and Extremadura, while Castilla-La Mancha took the lead in projects with favorable environmental assessments.
In contrast, PV projects experienced a significant slowdown. Although PV remained dominant in Spain’s renewable pipeline—accounting for 97.6% (1,242.1 MW) of the 1,272.7 MW total capacity approved for construction across 102 projects—it saw a sharp year-on-year decline in the public consultation phase (-1,353.2 MW compared to Q1 2025).
PV still maintained a leading position in earlier development stages, representing 67.8% (1,674.5 MW) of projects in the public information phase, 71.6% (2,181.3 MW) of capacity with favorable environmental impact statements, and 68.6% (587.2 MW) of capacity with prior administrative authorization. Geographically, the Basque Country, Castile and León, Aragon, and Andalusia concentrated most PV capacity.
