Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of July 31, 2026, from the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines |
|---|---|
| Publication | August 18, 2026 |
| Entry into force | August 18, 2026 |
| Holding company | Afrodita Solar, SL |
| Authorized installation | BESS Afrodita — battery storage system of 39.6 MW |
| Associated solar plant | «Afrodita» photovoltaic park, 46.2 MW (already existing) |
| Location | Los Molares, Seville |
| Evacuation substation | Don Rodrigo 400 kV (REE) |
| Applicable regulatory framework | RD 997/2025, of November 5, on urgent measures for the reinforcement of the electrical system |
| Category | Energy / Renewable storage |
| Year | 2026 |
Afrodita Solar, SL has prior administrative authorization and construction authorization to install a battery storage system (BESS Afrodita) of 39.6 MW in Los Molares (Seville). The installation will be hybridized with the «Afrodita» photovoltaic park, already operational with 46.2 MW of installed capacity. The resolution, signed on July 31, 2026 and published in the BOE on August 18, 2026, is based on RD 997/2025, of November 5, which establishes urgent measures for the reinforcement of the electrical system and introduces the simplified procedure and exemption from environmental assessment for this type of projects.
What does this regulation establish?
The resolution grants two simultaneous authorizations to Afrodita Solar, SL:
- Prior administrative authorization: enables the project from the perspective of energy planning.
- Administrative construction authorization: allows the start of construction works for the BESS system and its evacuation infrastructure.
The key to the case is its coverage under the simplified procedure and exemption from environmental impact assessment provided for in RD 997/2025. This significantly reduces the time and administrative requirements compared to a conventional project.
Regarding evacuation infrastructure, the project minimizes new work to the maximum:
| Evacuation element | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 30 kV underground line | New construction | Specific connection for the BESS |
| Sectioning center | New construction | Switching and protection element |
| Rest of evacuation infrastructure | Reused | Existing infrastructure of the «Afrodita» solar park |
| Destination substation | Existing (REE) | Don Rodrigo 400 kV |
The case received no objections during the public information period or opposition from the consulted bodies, which directly contributed to the agility of the processing.
Economic and operational impact
For Afrodita Solar, SL, hybridization represents a substantial improvement in the profitability of the existing asset: the «Afrodita» photovoltaic park will be able to store energy during periods of low demand or negative prices and discharge it during hours of higher market value.
From an operational perspective, the most relevant elements are:
- Infrastructure reuse: by leveraging the existing evacuation to Don Rodrigo 400 kV, civil works costs are significantly reduced compared to an independent storage project.
- Exemption from environmental assessment: eliminates one of the most common bottlenecks in the processing of energy projects, reducing timelines and environmental consulting costs.
- Simplified procedure (RD 997/2025): administrative processing is shortened compared to the ordinary procedure, which accelerates commissioning and, therefore, the start of return on investment.
- BESS/solar ratio of 85.7%: with 39.6 MW of batteries versus 46.2 MW photovoltaic, the installation has very high storage capacity in relation to generation, which maximizes flexibility in the electricity market.
Who does it affect?
- Promoters of photovoltaic solar parks who want to hybridize existing installations with BESS storage.
- Energy storage sector companies that are evaluating projects in Spain under RD 997/2025.
- Legal and technical advisors specialized in renewable project processing: this resolution is a precedent for agile processing under the new simplified framework.
- Investors and infrastructure funds with exposure to solar assets in Spain that evaluate the hybridization potential of their portfolio.
- Network operators and access managers to the Don Rodrigo 400 kV substation (REE), who will have to coordinate the integration of the new connection point.
Practical example
A promoter with a photovoltaic solar park of similar power to «Afrodita» (around 46 MW) and with access to existing evacuation infrastructure can replicate this model:
- Requests authorization for a BESS under the simplified procedure of RD 997/2025, avoiding ordinary environmental impact assessment.
- Sizes the battery system around 85% of the installed photovoltaic power (in the «Afrodita» case: 39.6 MW over 46.2 MW) to maximize flexibility without needing to expand the contracted evacuation capacity.
- Limits new work to a 30 kV underground line and a sectioning center, reusing the rest of the existing infrastructure to the REE substation.
- If the case does not generate objections during public information, processing can be completed especially quickly, as happened in the case of Afrodita Solar, SL.
What should companies do now?
- Review if you have hybridizable solar parks: identify photovoltaic installations in operation with available evacuation capacity that can accommodate a BESS without expanding the grid access point.
- Analyze the fit within RD 997/2025: verify if your project meets the requirements to benefit from the simplified procedure and environmental assessment exemption, which can significantly reduce processing timelines and costs.
- Size the BESS in relation to existing solar power: the «Afrodita» case (39.6 MW BESS / 46.2 MW FV) shows that ratios close to 85% are viable without needing new high-voltage evacuation infrastructure.
- Prepare documentation for public information: a well-prepared case, without open flanks to objections, accelerates processing. The «Afrodita» case is an example of a case without opposition.
- Coordinate with REE for substation access: if evacuation is carried out through a Red Eléctrica de España substation, start technical coordination as soon as possible for the new BESS connection point.
Frequently asked questions
What is the simplified procedure of RD 997/2025 and what advantages does it have for BESS projects?
RD 997/2025, of November 5, on urgent measures for the reinforcement of the electrical system, establishes a simplified procedure for the authorization of battery storage systems hybridized with existing renewable installations. The main advantage is the exemption from ordinary environmental impact assessment, which eliminates one of the biggest bottlenecks in processing. The «BESS Afrodita» case is the first example published in BOE of an authorization granted under this framework.
How much BESS storage power can be installed next to an existing solar park?
The resolution does not set an explicit percentage limit, but the «Afrodita» case authorizes 39.6 MW of BESS next to 46.2 MW photovoltaic, which represents a ratio of 85.7%. The practical limiting factor is the contracted evacuation capacity: if the BESS reuses existing infrastructure, it is not necessary to expand grid access, which simplifies processing and reduces costs.
What new infrastructure needs to be built to hybridize a BESS with a solar park?
In the «BESS Afrodita» case, new work was limited to a 30 kV underground line and a sectioning center. The rest of the evacuation infrastructure, including the connection to the Don Rodrigo 400 kV substation of REE, was reused from the existing photovoltaic park. This approach minimizes civil works investment and facilitates administrative processing.
When does the BESS Afrodita authorization come into force?
The resolution was signed on July 31, 2026 and published in the BOE on August 18, 2026, the date it came into force. From that date, Afrodita Solar, SL is authorized to begin construction of the 39.6 MW BESS system in Los Molares (Seville).
Can any solar promoter benefit from the simplified procedure of RD 997/2025?
RD 997/2025 provides for the simplified procedure for storage projects that are hybridized with existing renewable installations. Compliance with the specific requirements of the royal decree is decisive. The «BESS Afrodita» case shows that, when the project is well designed and does not generate opposition during public information or from consulted bodies, processing can be completed very quickly.
Official source
Consult 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-2026-17912