Spain's grid operator plans 50-MW BESS on Balearic island

Spanish electric grid operator Red Electrica de Espana (REE) on Wednesday unveiled its plans to build a 50-MW/37.5-MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) on the island of Menorca in the Balearic archipelago.

The BESS would be integrated into the local transmission grid, ensuring that the Mediterranean island enjoys stability of the power supply and makes progress in the energy transition, REE said. Storage will be particularly useful in the event that Menorca’s power link with the island of Mallorca is cut off.

The grid operator intends to invest around EUR 50 million (USD 48.8m) in the project. The BESS will be located next to the existing 132-kV substation in the town of Es Mercadal. It will feature two 25-MW units with a storage capacity of 18.75 MWh each.

REE will petition that the proposal is declared as the project of regional interest given the importance of batteries for the guarantee of the power supply and the energy transition. Permitting procedures are seen to start in early 2023.

The Menorca battery project is included in the Spanish government’s 2021-2026 plan to enlarge the power grid and interconnect Spain with its non-mainland territories and neighbouring countries. The investment in the Balearic Islands will amount to roughly EUR 1.17 billion of the total EUR 6.96 billion allocated to the grid enhancement during the planning period. The funding will support the Menorca battery and interconnections between the Balearic Islands and the Spanish mainland, REE said.

(EUR 1.0 = USD 0.975)

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