Alhambra 24.7 MW Solar Park Approved: Key Insights for Energy Promoters and Investors

Key data

Parques Eólicos Ciudad Real S.L. can move forward with construction of the Alhambra photovoltaic solar park after obtaining the favorable environmental impact declaration (DIA), published in the BOE on June 25, 2026. The resolution, signed on June 8, 2026 by the Directorate General for Quality and Environmental Assessment, unblocks a project that was at risk due to an unfavorable report from the Directorate General for Natural Environment of Castilla-La Mancha.

The strategic key to the project is its design as a hybridization: the new solar park will connect to the substation of the Alhambra wind farm (34 MW), already in operation, avoiding the need to build new large-scale evacuation infrastructure.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution formulates the favorable environmental impact declaration of the Alhambra photovoltaic solar park, which constitutes the prior and essential environmental step for the promoter to obtain the administrative authorizations for construction and operation.

The technical elements of the approved project are as follows:

The process was especially complex. The Directorate General for Natural Environment of Castilla-La Mancha issued an unfavorable report considering the study of alternative locations initially presented to be insufficient. The promoter had to strengthen the technical and environmental justification, ultimately proving that no reasonable viable alternatives exist from a technical and environmental perspective. Only with that proof was the favorable DIA unblocked.

Economic and operational impact

Solar-wind hybridization is the differentiating element of this project and has direct economic implications:

• Savings in evacuation infrastructure: by connecting to the substation of the existing Alhambra wind farm, the promoter avoids building a new high-voltage transformer substation, which represents one of the largest costs in renewable projects of this scale.
• 7.45 km underground line: although underground installation has higher costs than overhead lines, it reduces visual and environmental impact, which was decisive in overcoming objections from the Castilla-La Mancha Regional Government.
• Generation complementarity: solar-wind hybridization optimizes the use of the grid connection point, since solar and wind have complementary generation profiles (solar generates mainly during daylight hours, wind can generate at any time), maximizing the utilization factor of shared infrastructure.
• Regulatory risk overcome: the initial unfavorable report from the Regional Government caused significant delays in the process. The favorable DIA published in the BOE clears this risk and allows the promoter to move forward toward the next authorizations.

Who does it affect?

• Parques Eólicos Ciudad Real S.L.: direct promoter. Can initiate administrative authorization procedures for construction and operation.
• Landowners in La Solana and Alhambra (Ciudad Real): the 61.55 ha fenced area implies lease or easement agreements with private or public owners in both municipalities.
• Local administrations of La Solana and Alhambra: must coordinate urban planning procedures and construction permits linked to the project.
• Investors and renewable infrastructure funds: the favorable DIA converts this asset into a project with lower regulatory risk, relevant for financing or divestment operations.
• Photovoltaic installation companies and contractors: the project generates demand for supply of modules, trackers, inverters and civil works in the Ciudad Real area.

Practical example

A rural property owner in the municipality of La Solana receives a lease proposal from Parques Eólicos Ciudad Real S.L. to include their plot within the 61.55 ha of the project. With the favorable DIA already published in the BOE, the promoter has environmental backing to move forward: the owner can negotiate with the certainty that the project has accredited environmental viability, which reduces the risk of the lease becoming void due to regulatory causes. The 7.45 km underground line will run through land between the plant and the wind farm substation, so owners in that corridor may also be affected by easements.

For an investor analyzing the asset: the project moves from "in process with unfavorable report" to "favorable DIA published in BOE", which represents a qualitative leap in the project's risk map and can positively impact its valuation.

What should companies do now?

1. Parques Eólicos Ciudad Real S.L.: initiate administrative authorization procedures for construction with the competent authority in Castilla-La Mancha, providing the favorable DIA as an enabling document.
2. Landowners affected in La Solana and Alhambra: review whether your plots are within the perimeter of the 61.55 ha or in the corridor of the 7.45 km underground line, and consult with a legal advisor specialized in real estate and energy law before signing any agreement.
3. Investors and financiers: update the project risk analysis incorporating the favorable DIA; assess whether to proceed with due diligence or project finance negotiations.
4. Photovoltaic contractors and suppliers: contact the promoter to explore supply opportunities for the 54,600 modules, 17 inverters, horizontal trackers and civil works of the underground line.
5. Administrations of La Solana and Alhambra: prepare construction permit procedures and urban coordination that will be activated once the promoter obtains the administrative construction authorization.

Official source

Consult complete regulation at official source

Disclaimer: 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-2026-13864