-
Overview
In Spain there are multiple support schemes for RES-E technologies in place. Many programmes are regulated at the National level, however, Autonomous Communities and Municipalities also administrate funds and specific support schemes, such as tax exemptions or subsidies to cover for example 50% of the total costs of PV installations (for self-consumption).
The IDAE in cooperation with ERDF (European Regional Development Funds) runs programmes to grant non-refundable subsidies to RES-E projects. For instance, there is one special programme for wind and PV projects exclusively located in non-peninsular territories (such as islands).
Spain pledged ambitious renewable energy targets for 2030. In the electricity sector, renewable sources will account 74% of the total generation by 2030. This represents an increase of 32 percentage points over this period, from 42% in 2020 to 74% in 2030. The goal is set to 42% of renewables over total gross final energy consumption by 2030. -
Summary of support system
- Subsidy (Grants for wind and PV electricity projects in non-peninsular territories) - Non-repayable grants to wind power or PV electricity projects, exclusively located in non-peninsular territories.
- Subsidy (Grants for investment in RE electricity and thermal projects) - Allocation of non-refundable grants for electricity projects using RES
- Tenders / Auctions: Economic Regime for Renewable Energies – Allocation of a sliding feed-in premium
- Tenders / Auctions: Specific Remuneration Regime - Allocation of a sliding feed-in premium
- Net-Metering & Net-Billing - Self-consumption projects with surplus subject to compensation can benefit from a simplified compensation mechanism
- Tax regulation mechanisms (Allowance on the Real Estate Tax for solar energy systems) - 50 percent rebate of the full amount of the tax for properties where a solar energy system for thermal or electrical use has been installed
- Tax regulation mechanisms (Allowance on the Tax on Constructions, Installations and Works) - Rebate of up to 95 percent in favour of constructions, installations or works in which systems for the thermal or electrical use of solar energy are incorporated.
- RES-E building obligation (Minimum generation quota from RES in non-residential buildings) – Buildings larger than 3,000 m2 shall install a RE generation system (between 30 kW and 100 kW)
-
Competent authorities
- MITECO
- MITMA
- OMIE
- CNMC
- Directorate General for Energy Policy and Mines
- IDAE
- Autonomous Communities
- Municipalities
-
Summary
Renewable energy installations in Spain must obtain certain administrative authorisations and fulfil technical requirements in order to be granted the right to produce electricity and operate in the market.
The very first step is to obtain the access and connection permits from the TSO or DSO, after which the developer will be allowed to connect to the grid and operate (after all other steps are completed). Once the project developer secured the lands, and Environmental Impact Assessment will be conducted, where different public and private stakeholders will be given the opportunity to get information and participate in the process. The authority will issue an Environmental Impact Declaration that may include requisites and conditions under which the project shall be conducted.
The project developer shall also apply for administrative authorisations. In particular, they will need a Prior Administrative Authorisation, an Administrative Authorisation for Construction, and local permits. In the cases where an easement or expropriation is needed, the project developer shall apply for a Declaration of Public Utility.
Based on the NECP´s projected capacities to be installed by 2030, three technologies are analysed in this section: wind onshore, ground mounted PV, and PV roof top (self-consumption). Installed capacities for electricity production from these sources are expected to grow considerably by 2030. Other technologies, such as hydropower, are also relevant for the Spanish energy transition. However, the projected growth is not as steep as with solar PV and wind onshore.
Rooftop PV installations for self-consumption, depending on their size and location, may benefit from a simplified and shorter procedure. For instance, units with an installed power up to 100 kW and connected to low-voltage, in principle should not require an Environmental Impact Assessment or a Declaration of Public Utility for example. -
Sequential order of process steps
1. Grid connection permit: Apply for the access and connection permits to the grid
2. Site selection: Negotiate land contracts
3. Administrative authorisation: Conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and obtain an Environmental Impact Declaration (EID). Apply for Prior Administrative Authorisation (PAA); Administrative Authorisation for Construction (AAC); and local permits. If an easement or expropriation is needed, the developer shall apply for a Declaration of Public Utility (DPU).
4. Electricity production license.
5. Corporate legal-fiscal.
Some steps can be conducted in parallel: for example, the EID, PAA, AAC, and DPU. -
Competent authorities
- MITECO
- Directorate General for Energy Policy and Mines
- Directorate-General for Environmental Quality and Assessment
- Industry and Energy Departments of the National Government Delegations
- Autonomous Communities
- Municipalities
- CNMC
- TSO
- DSOs
