Iberdrola España Advances Energy Transition with Hybrid Solar and Battery Project at Alarcón

Romeral photovoltaic and battery plant, in Cuenca

(IN BRIEF) Iberdrola España has commissioned Spain’s first large-scale battery storage systems at Alarcón in Cuenca, integrating the Romeral and Olmedilla batteries with existing photovoltaic plants to enhance grid stability and renewable energy use. With a combined capacity of 120 MWh, the batteries can supply clean electricity to thousands of homes, support skilled employment, and reduce CO₂ emissions through efficient hybrid generation. Recognised as Strategic Projects for Economic Recovery and Transformation, the installations form part of Iberdrola España’s broader commitment to advancing energy storage as a key pillar of electrification, decarbonisation, and the national energy transition.

(PRESS RELEASE) BILBAO, 23-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Iberdrola España has brought Spain’s first large-scale battery energy storage systems into operation in Alarcón, in the province of Cuenca, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy transition. The Romeral and Olmedilla battery installations each offer a storage capacity of 60 MWh and power close to 30 MW, enabling the supply of zero-emissions electricity for up to two hours to more than 13,000 homes and strengthening the flexibility and reliability of the electricity system.

The development and construction of the two battery systems generated more than 100 jobs during peak activity periods and involved a range of national suppliers, including Gipuzkoa-based company Jema, which was responsible for building the system integrators. Through this project, Iberdrola España has reinforced the role of renewable energy and storage as drivers of skilled employment and industrial development within Spain.

The batteries are part of a hybrid generation model that allows them to share the same grid connection point as the Romeral and Olmedilla photovoltaic plants at the Olmedilla node. Each storage system consists of six 4.5 MW converters, one 2.25 MW converter, and 13 battery modules with a capacity of 4.66 MWh each. This configuration optimises the use of existing infrastructure, including substations and evacuation lines, while minimising environmental impact by avoiding the need for additional grid connections or land use.

The Romeral and Olmedilla photovoltaic plants, each with an installed capacity of 50 MW, generate clean electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 24,500 homes in the case of Romeral and close to 30,000 homes for Olmedilla. Together, they avoid the emission of more than 33,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year. The Olmedilla photovoltaic plant was also awarded the UNEF sustainability seal in 2022, recognising its environmental and operational performance.

Battery-based energy storage plays a critical role in maximising renewable energy integration by regulating grid frequency within milliseconds, providing backup capacity during periods of peak demand, and improving overall supply quality and system stability. By combining generation and storage at the same sites, Iberdrola España is advancing more efficient, innovative, and environmentally responsible energy solutions.

The Romeral and Olmedilla batteries are part of a wider portfolio of six Battery Energy Storage Systems with a combined capacity of 173 MW that have been recognised by IDAE as Strategic Projects for Economic Recovery and Transformation under the renewable energy, green hydrogen, and storage category. These projects have received total funding of €37.5 million, with close to €8 million allocated to the Romeral battery and €3.5 million to the Olmedilla installation. When fully operational, the full set of six batteries will significantly strengthen Spain’s large-scale energy storage capacity.

Corporate Communication (contact for Media)

Tel: +34 91 577 65 00
comunicacioncorporativa@iberdrola.es

SOURCE: IBERDROLA