Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of March 10, 2026, from the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines |
|---|---|
| BOE Publication | May 4, 2026 |
| Effective date | March 10, 2026 |
| Promoter | Molinos del Ebro, SA |
| Location | Rueda de Jalón, Zaragoza |
| Photovoltaic module | Valdejalón — 45 MW installed capacity |
| Storage module | Valdejalón — 5 MW (batteries) |
| Existing wind farm | Valdejalón — 50 MW (already operational) |
| Total power after hybridization | 100 MW |
| Category | Energy |
| BOE Reference | BOE-A-2026-9683 |
Molinos del Ebro SA has prior administrative authorization for the major step in expanding the Valdejalón energy complex in Zaragoza. The Resolution of March 10, 2026 from the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines approves the construction of a 45 MW photovoltaic module and a 5 MW battery storage module, both under the name Valdejalón, in the municipality of Rueda de Jalón.
The differentiating element of this project is hybridization: the new solar plant will not need its own connection point to the electrical grid, but will share the evacuation infrastructure of the Valdejalón wind farm of 50 MW that already operates at the same location.
What does this regulation establish?
The resolution grants prior administrative authorization to Molinos del Ebro SA for three differentiated elements of the project:
- Valdejalón photovoltaic module: 45 MW installed capacity, located in Rueda de Jalón (Zaragoza).
- Valdejalón storage module: 5 MW installed capacity through batteries, at the same location.
- Evacuation infrastructure: Those necessary to connect both modules to the grid, taking advantage of those already existing from the wind farm.
The key to the project is hybridization with the Valdejalón wind farm of 50 MW, already in operation. This strategy allows the promoter to maximize the use of the existing grid connection point, avoiding the processing and cost of a new network access from scratch.
From a procedural perspective, prior administrative authorization is the first step of a three-phase process:
- Prior administrative authorization — granted by this resolution (March 10, 2026).
- Construction authorization — pending processing.
- Operation authorization — pending, necessary to operate commercially.
Economic and operational impact
Hybridization with existing infrastructure has direct economic consequences for the promoter and strategic relevance for the sector:
- Reduction of infrastructure costs: By sharing the connection point and evacuation infrastructure of the 50 MW wind farm, Molinos del Ebro SA avoids the costs associated with building a new independent evacuation line and substation.
- Shorter processing time: Hybridization projects on existing installations have shorter administrative processes than greenfield projects, which accelerates return on investment.
- Solar-wind complementarity: The combination of photovoltaic generation (daytime production) with wind generation (production more distributed over time) and 5 MW battery storage allows optimizing energy delivery to the grid, reducing moments of underutilization of the connection point.
- Contribution to decarbonization objectives: The project adds 50 MW of new renewable capacity (45 MW solar + 5 MW storage) to the Spanish electrical system, aligning with energy transition objectives.
Who does it affect?
- Molinos del Ebro SA: Direct promoter. Must complete the construction and operation authorization phases before operating the new installation.
- Municipality of Rueda de Jalón (Zaragoza): Territory where the project is located, with urban planning, environmental and local development implications.
- Other renewable energy promoters: This project is a reference case on the viability and advantages of solar-wind hybridization with storage in Spain, replicable at other locations with existing wind farms.
- Electrical system operators: The incorporation of 45 MW photovoltaic and 5 MW storage to the Valdejalón evacuation node has implications for grid management in the area.
- Renewable project advisors and consultants: The resolution establishes precedent on the administrative treatment of hybridization projects with batteries in Spain.
Practical example
A promoter with an operational wind farm of 50 MW —as is the case with Molinos del Ebro SA with Valdejalón— has a concrete opportunity: instead of requesting a new network access point for an independent solar plant (a process that can take years and involve significant infrastructure investments), it can opt for hybridization.
In the Valdejalón project, Molinos del Ebro SA has chosen precisely this route: adding 45 MW photovoltaic and 5 MW batteries to the same connection point of the 50 MW wind farm. The result is a complex of 100 MW total installed capacity that shares evacuation infrastructure, with consequent savings in investment and time.
The 5 MW battery storage module adds an additional element of value: it allows retaining energy generated during periods of low demand or high production and delivering it to the grid when price or demand are more favorable, improving the profitability of the whole.
What should companies do now?
- If you are Molinos del Ebro SA: Begin without delay the processing of the construction authorization, the second mandatory step after this prior authorization. The timeframe between phases is decisive to maintain the validity of the permits obtained.
- If you are a promoter with an existing wind farm: Analyze whether your installation meets the technical requirements and evacuation capacity to incorporate a photovoltaic module and hybridize. The Valdejalón resolution confirms that the Directorate