Brussels Urges Spain to Accelerate Grid and Storage Infrastructure Approvals for Renewable Integration

The European Commission has urged Spain to decisively speed up the administrative processing of electricity grid and energy storage projects, which are deemed essential for integrating the swift deployment of renewable energies into the national power system.

Following the release of a new European Union communication, member states are advised on how to reduce approval times for such strategic infrastructure projects. The document highlights that the EU aims to add approximately 100 gigawatts of renewable capacity annually until 2030, a target that hinges on the concurrent development of transport and distribution networks along with storage facilities.

One of the main bottlenecks remains the permitting procedures, with projects sometimes taking between two and over fifteen years to be approved. To address this, Brussels encourages member states to implement Article 15 sexies of the revised Renewable Energy Directive, in force since October 2023. This provision allows for the designation of specific areas for infrastructure where environmental assessments can be simplified or, in certain cases, exemptions granted.

Spain, recognised as a country with high renewable potential and a significant backlog of connection projects, is seen as a critical case for prompt action. The aim is to facilitate the integration of new renewable generation, reduce network congestion, and support the increasing electrification needs across industry, transport, and urban sectors.

The European Commission stresses that the planning of these designated areas should be carefully coordinated with national grid development plans, renewable energy acceleration zones, and existing climate and energy strategies. Utilising existing infrastructure corridors, previously developed land, and industrial zones is also emphasised as a strategy to minimise environmental and social impacts. Further, public participation must be strengthened to lessen conflicts and reduce administrative delays.

Support from the EU in technical and financial capacity-building is cited as a vital tool to help member states modernise permitting procedures and administrative processes. Brussels maintains that accelerating infrastructure approvals is not only vital for meeting 2030 and 2050 climate targets but also essential for ensuring a secure, affordable, and competitive electricity supply during the energy transition.