An investment of 5,000,000 euros will turn part of the sun in Extremadura into a giant power reserve

16/09/2026 12:00

Updated to

16/09/2026 12:00

The growth of solar energy is also pushing for acceleration in another key component of the electrical system: storage. Photovoltaic power can concentrate large amounts of production during the peak hours of the day, but this electricity does not always align with times of highest demand. Therefore, batteries are becoming increasingly important as a means to shift part of this energy to other time periods.

This is precisely the goal of the new project planned in Fregenal de la Sierra, Badajoz, where it is intended to add a high-capacity storage system to an existing photovoltaic plant. The project involves an investment of 4.98 million euros and a battery capable of storing 33 MWh of electricity.

A battery designed to transfer solar energy from one hour to another

The installation will consist of eight battery containers, each with 4,125 kWh of capacity, resulting in a total power output of 8.25 MW. With these specifications, the system can maintain this level of power supply for approximately four hours if started from a fully charged state.

The goal is not to generate more electricity but to manage better the power already produced by the solar plant. During periods of high radiation, some of this energy can be stored for later use, when photovoltaic production begins to decline while the electrical system still requires power supply.

This type of storage also helps reduce the gap between peak solar production times and periods when demand remains high. In this specific case, the project documentation states that the batteries can only be charged using electricity from the photovoltaic plant to which they are connected.

The project still needs to complete its approval process

In addition to the eight containers, the project includes two inverters with a combined capacity of 8.25 MW, an 8,780 kVA transformer, auxiliary equipment, and a new switching station. Connection to the existing substation will be made through two underground power lines.

The facility will be located on plot 161 in industrial zone 51 of the municipality of Fregenal de la Sierra, and it will require modifications to the existing administrative approval for the solar plant. The application is currently in the public consultation phase.

For a period of 30 working days, interested individuals and organizations can review the documents and submit objections. Once this period ends, the project must obtain the remaining approvals before construction can begin.