20 MW Battery in Alcázar de San Juan: Authorization for Solar Hybridization

Key data

Ictio Solar Berenice, SL takes a decisive step in hybridizing its photovoltaic asset in Alcázar de San Juan (Ciudad Real): the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines grants it, through a resolution of September 7, 2026, the prior administrative authorization for the battery storage module "ALM Ictio Alcázar III", with 19.96 MW of installed power. The installation will be hybridized with the photovoltaic plant "FV Ictio Alcázar III", with 47.19 MW, already in operation, forming a total installation of 67.15 MW.

This authorization does not yet enable construction: it is the first formal administrative step. The promoter will subsequently need to obtain the construction authorization, for which it will have to demonstrate compliance with the technical conditions required by the Guadiana River Basin Authority and civil protection regulations.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution grants the prior administrative authorization —the first step in the authorization process for electrical installations in Spain— for the battery storage module "ALM Ictio Alcázar III" and its associated evacuation infrastructure.

The key elements established by the resolution are:

• Authorized object: battery storage module with 19.96 MW of installed power, called "ALM Ictio Alcázar III".
• Hybridization: integration with the existing photovoltaic plant "FV Ictio Alcázar III" (47.19 MW), resulting in a combined installation of 67.15 MW.
• Evacuation: energy will be evacuated to the Arenas de San Juan 220 kV substation, managed by Red Eléctrica de España.
• Environmental impact: the project passed the simplified environmental impact assessment, without needing to undergo the ordinary environmental assessment procedure.
• Physical location: the installations remain within the fencing of existing photovoltaic plants, minimizing impacts on the external environment.
• Conditions prior to construction: the promoter must comply with the technical requirements of the Guadiana River Basin Authority and civil protection regulations before requesting construction authorization.

Economic and operational impact

Solar + storage hybridization is one of the highest-value strategies in the current Spanish electricity market. Adding 19.96 MW of storage capacity to a 47.19 MW photovoltaic plant allows Ictio Solar Berenice to:

• Shift generation to hours of higher prices in the wholesale market, reducing exposure to low prices during central hours of the day.
• Participate in system adjustment services (frequency regulation, power reserves), with additional remuneration.
• Improve the utilization factor of the existing evacuation infrastructure to the Arenas de San Juan 220 kV substation.
• Reduce expansion costs by locating the battery within the existing fencing, without needing new expropriations or access works.

From an operational perspective, the fact that the environmental impact assessment was simplified (not ordinary) significantly shortens administrative timelines and reduces regulatory uncertainty for the project.

Who does it affect?

• Ictio Solar Berenice, SL: direct promoter and sole authorization holder. Must manage the conditions prior to construction.
• Energy operators in the Alcázar de San Juan area: the incorporation of 19.96 MW of storage modifies local dispatch dynamics and may affect competitors in the adjustment services market.
• Red Eléctrica de España: manager of the Arenas de San Juan 220 kV substation, the evacuation point for the installation.
• Guadiana River Basin Authority: body whose technical conditions must be met before construction authorization.
• Investors and financiers of storage projects: this resolution is a relevant precedent on the requirements and timelines of the hybridization process in Spain.

Practical example

Ictio Solar Berenice has the "FV Ictio Alcázar III" plant operating with 47.19 MW of photovoltaic capacity. During central hours of the day (11:00-16:00), wholesale market prices frequently fall due to excess solar generation. With the "ALM Ictio Alcázar III" battery of 19.96 MW, the company will be able to charge the battery during those low-price hours and discharge it during peak afternoon hours (18:00-22:00), when prices are significantly higher.

Additionally, by evacuating all energy —solar and stored— through the Arenas de San Juan 220 kV substation already connected, the promoter avoids the costs and timelines of new evacuation infrastructure, making the project financially more efficient.

The next concrete step for Ictio Solar Berenice is to obtain approval from the Guadiana River Basin Authority and demonstrate compliance with civil protection regulations, in order to request construction authorization and begin works.

What should companies do now?

1. If you are Ictio Solar Berenice: immediately start proceedings with the Guadiana River Basin Authority to obtain the required technical conditions. Without this step, you will not be able to request construction authorization.
2. Demonstrate compliance with civil protection: review the applicable regional and national civil protection regulations for large-scale battery storage installations and obtain the necessary reports or certifications.
3. Prepare the construction authorization file: gather all technical documentation and met conditions to submit the application as soon as you have favorable reports.
4. If you are a competing operator or investor in the area: analyze the impact of the entry of 19.96 MW of storage in the local adjustment services market and adjust your dispatch strategy.
5. If you are evaluating similar hybridization projects: use this resolution as a reference on the process requirements (simplified environmental assessment, hydrological and civil protection conditions) and associated timelines.

Official source

View complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-21434