Major news: Cheaper energy on the horizon as Spain powers ahead with Europe’s largest energy storage project.
Modern battery energy storage system with wind turbines and solar panel power plants in the background at sunset.
Credit: Shutterstock, r.classen
Cheaper energy for Europe is on the horizon as Spain powers ahead with the continent’s largest new energy storage project.
Big news for Spain and Western Europe. Energy bills could be significantly cheaper in the next few years if everything goes to plan.
Spain is set to charge to the forefront of Europe’s renewable energy revolution with the announcement of Conso II, the largest hydroelectric energy storage facility ever planned on the continent. Backed by Spanish energy giant Iberdrola, this colossal project will rise in the province of Ourense, Galicia, in northern Spain, and promises to be a game-changer in sustainable energy.
1.5 billion euros to spark change
With an eye-watering investment of over €1.5 billion, Conso II aims to make waves in the energy industry by using existing reservoirs in the Sil River basin. The facility will unite the Bao and Cenza reservoirs using a natural 690-metre gradient to generate and store clean energy without the need for new construction. It’s another bold move by Spain.
The power to move millions
Conso II will boast a jaw-dropping capacity of 1,800 megawatts (MW), enough to store an impressive 58 million kilowatt-hours (kWh). To put that in perspective, this powerhouse could supply energy for up to 10 million people – a feat unmatched in Spain or anywhere else in Western Europe. It’s not just a drop in the ocean; it’s a tidal wave of new energy.
How does it work? It’s all water under the bridge…
Here’s the clever bit: during sunny and windy days, excess solar and wind energy will pump water uphill to the Bao reservoir. When energy demand surges, the stored water will flow back downhill to Cenza, spinning turbines to generate electricity at lightning speed. It’s, in theory, a 100% clean, efficient cycle that ensures renewable energy isn’t wasted.
6 years, 3,000 jobs, one massive transformation
Construction kicks off in 2025 and is set to last six years, providing a much-needed economic boost with 3,000 jobs up for grabs. But the benefits go beyond paycheques; Conso II signals Spain’s commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and hitting the EU’s ambitious climate targets.
A green giant with a light touch
Unlike many megaprojects, Conso II will blend seamlessly into its surroundings. The facility will be largely underground, so no big ugly grey structures and minimal impact on nature. By repurposing existing reservoirs, Iberdrola’s keeping it slick- no mess, no fuss – delivering a project that’s as green on the ground as it is on paper.
Leading Europe to a brighter future?
Once operational, Conso II will produce 4,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually – enough to dethrone Spain’s current heavyweight, La Muela, and rival France’s Grand Maison. It’s not just about numbers, though. This ‘mega plant’ will stabilise Europe’s power grid, storing vast amounts of renewable energy for future use.
Can this lead to cheaper energy for all?
Spain’s energy crown jewel
Keep an eye on this space as Conso II gears up to light the way for generations to come. It’s Spain’s big splash in the global energy pool, and it’s making waves already.
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