Written by: Karim Hammam
Spain has exceeded the 50,000 MW threshold of installed photovoltaic capacity, recording notable growth across the country's various regions. However, the solar energy sector is facing major technical challenges related to the dissipation of a large portion of the produced energy due to a lack of transmission networks and storage capacity.
José Donoso, General Director of the Spanish Photovoltaic Union, explained that some solar power plants in the Extremadura region are facing energy waste reaching about sixty percent due to technical constraints imposed on the grid, as the infrastructure is unable to absorb the massive amounts of electricity produced during peak daytime hours. He noted that Extremadura ranks second nationally in terms of solar capacity with about 9,000 MW, warning that the absence of sufficient investment in transmission networks and batteries threatens to waste the economic gains of clean energy.
Infrastructure and bureaucratic challenges
Donoso emphasized that the biggest challenge to future expansion is not limited to the economic viability of solar energy, which has proven its high efficiency, but is closely linked to administrative obstacles, pointing to a lack of qualified human resources and digitalization in processing administrative permits for new projects. He highlighted the positive model in Andalusia, which has led in solar capacity thanks to the efficient management of permits.
Regarding the 2030 goals, the General Director of the Union explained that achieving the targets faces clear difficulties, especially in the self-consumption sector, calling for a review of electricity tariffs, providing tax incentives to support investment in solar panels on building rooftops, and reviewing legislation related to data centers to ensure the promotion of local investment.
