Pilar Sánchez Molina
EU publishes non-price criteria for renewables auctions
The European Union has adopted new rules requiring member states to include non-price criteria such as sustainability, resilience, and project execution in renewable energy auctions.
ZGR battery system kept one Spanish village powered during major Iberian blackout
A 160 kW / 250 kWh standalone battery system installed by Spanish manufacturer Zigor Corporación ensured uninterrupted power for the village of San Vicente del Monte during a major blackout that affected the Iberian Peninsula on 28 April 2025. The system, connected to the low-voltage (400 V) grid, supplied electricity to the entire village for more than five hours.
Spanish researchers claim nest boxes in PV plants often misused for greenwashing
Researchers in Spain have warned that nest-box installations at PV plants are often poorly planned or used for greenwashing, with boxes placed in unsuitable locations, installed incorrectly, or lacking post-installation monitoring.
Iberdrola’s 500 MW Núñez de Balboa PV plant reportedly caused Spain blackout
Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica de España (REE) says a PV project in Badajoz was responsible for Spain’s massive power outage on April 28. Media reports have now revealed that the solar plant is the 500 MW Núñez de Balboa photovoltaic facility, which is owned by Iberdrola.
Spanish grid operator claims power outage originated from solar plant
Beatriz Corredor, president of Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica de España (REE), said a fault at a PV plant in Badajoz, Spain, triggered a forced frequency oscillation that led to a recent blackout. She said the plant has been “perfectly identified.”
Overvoltage, chain reaction, improper disconnections behind Spain’s blackout
Spain’s Minister for the Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen, has presented an official report on the April 28 blackout. She also announced 11 measures to strengthen grid stability and prevent future incidents.
France, Spain raise interconnection link capacity from 2.8 GW to 5 GW
France and Spain have driven up the planned capacity of their Bay of Biscay electricity interconnection from 2.8 GW to 5 GW, with €1.6 billion ($1.8 billion) in financing approved by the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Spanish lab develops sodium-ion cell with sustainable materials
Spain’s Instituto Tecnológico de la Energía (ITE) has built a prototype sodium-ion battery cell using high-potential materials and a sustainable polymer-based separator, as part of the SOSBAT project to develop alternatives to lithium-ion storage.
Spain blackout probe stalls amid utility data disputes, voltage issues
The European panel investigating Spain’s April blackout has reported stalled progress due to noncooperation from utilities, hindering efforts to pinpoint causes amid disputes over voltage irregularities and data access.
TPG buys Aurora Energy Research
TPG Rise Climate has acquired UK-based Aurora Energy Research, expanding the US investment firm’s climate analytics portfolio. The deal follows reports earlier this year that Aurora’s private equity owner was exploring a GBP 1 billion ($1.35 billion) sale.
