68.51 MW Battery in Paracuellos: What It Means for the Renewable Sector

Key data

Azor Solar, SLU takes a decisive step in hybridizing its photovoltaic park in Paracuellos de Jarama: the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines grants it, through a resolution of September 9, 2026, prior administrative authorization for a battery storage system of 68.51 MW. The installation will be hybridized with the existing solar plant of 64.02 MW, already in operation.

The resolution is published in the BOE on October 12, 2026 and enters into force that same day. The regulatory framework governing the processing combines RD 1955/2000, Law 24/2013 on the Electricity Sector and the recent RD 997/2025, which regulates the calculation of installed capacity in storage projects.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution grants prior administrative authorization —the first step in the authorization process for electrical installations— for the battery storage project called "Azor Solar". The main technical aspects and conditions are as follows:

A relevant aspect is that evacuation takes advantage of already authorized infrastructure, which simplifies processing and reduces startup timelines. The environmental impact assessment was simplified in nature: the ordinary procedure was not necessary, as no significant adverse effects on the environment were detected.

The requirement for complete underground placement of the evacuation line and the need to obtain Air Force compliance due to proximity to the Torrejón de Ardoz air base are specific conditions that the promoter must meet before advancing to subsequent authorization phases.

Economic and operational impact

For Azor Solar, SLU, the authorization opens the door to storage capacity that exceeds the power of the solar plant itself that it will hybridize (68.51 MW versus 64.02 MW). This allows optimization of energy management: accumulating surpluses during low-demand hours and releasing them to the market at times of higher prices.

For the renewable sector in general, this project is a reference for several reasons:

• It is one of the first large-scale solar-battery hybridization projects processed under RD 997/2025, which establishes how to calculate installed capacity in these systems.
• Simplified environmental assessment —without need for ordinary procedure— significantly shortens processing timelines.
• The use of already authorized evacuation infrastructure reduces costs and time compared to projects starting from scratch.
• The requirement for complete underground placement of the evacuation line implies additional cost compared to aerial lines, but eliminates visual impact and facilitates environmental compliance.

Who does it affect?

• Azor Solar, SLU: direct holder of the authorization and responsible for complying with all imposed conditions (underground placement, Air Force compliance, processing of subsequent phases).
• Promoters of solar-battery hybridization projects: this case sets the precedent for how similar projects are processed and what conditions are required under RD 997/2025.
• Energy storage sector companies: BESS system manufacturers and integrators working with photovoltaic promoters in Spain.
• Municipality of Paracuellos de Jarama (Madrid): indirectly affected by infrastructure implementation in its municipal area.
• Air Force: must issue express compliance due to project proximity to Torrejón de Ardoz air base.
• Managers of the Arroyo de la Vega Renovables substation: connection point for project evacuation.

Practical example

A promoter with an operational photovoltaic plant of similar capacity to Azor Solar's (64.02 MW) who wants to hybridize it with a battery system can extract several lessons from this case:

• Sizing: the authorized battery (68.51 MW) slightly exceeds the solar plant's power. This is not an obstacle: RD 997/2025 expressly regulates how to calculate capacity in these cases.
• Evacuation: if the plant already has authorized evacuation infrastructure (as here with connection to Arroyo de la Vega Renovables at 30 kV), the hybridization project can use it, saving time and cost on new grid authorizations.
• Environmental assessment: if the site has no significant environmental impacts, it is possible to process a simplified assessment, avoiding the ordinary procedure and its longer timelines.
• Specific constraints: proximity to military installations (such as Torrejón base) requires coordination with the Air Force. This procedure should be planned in advance to avoid delaying construction authorization.

What should companies do now?

1. Review if you have hybridizable photovoltaic plants: if you operate solar installations in Spain, analyze whether hybridization with batteries is technically and economically viable, using this case as a reference.
2. Study RD 997/2025: this regulation governs the calculation of installed capacity in storage projects and applies directly to any hybridization project. Knowing it avoids surprises in processing.
3. Verify available evacuation infrastructure: if your plant already has authorized connection to a substation, check if it can handle the additional capacity of the battery system. Using existing infrastructure accelerates the process.
4. Identify site-specific constraints: areas near military bases, protected natural areas or critical infrastructure may require additional procedures (such as Air Force compliance in this case).
5. Plan environmental assessment: requesting simplified assessment when the site allows reduces timelines. Prepare technical documentation in advance to avoid slowing down the case.
6. Begin prior administrative authorization processing: this is the first formal step in the process. Azor Solar's resolution confirms that the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines is the competent body for projects of this scale.

Official source

View complete regulation at 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-2026-21227