Spain accelerates floating solar and hydropower integration
Spain is pursuing a bold surge in renewable energy over the next decade. The goal for 2030 is clear: renewables should supply 42% of the country’s final energy consumption and account for 74% of all electricity generation. The plan is ambitious—roughly 60,000 megawatts of clean energy must come online, nearly tripling the current renewable capacity in ten years. This roadmap reflects a determined shift toward a low-carbon economy and a more resilient energy system.
To speed up the deployment of new green power, Spain is exploring alternative models and the government is taking decisive steps. A macro-decree linked to countermeasures for the war’s economic impact opens the door to solar installations on water bodies, including reservoirs, with new regulations to streamline operation of floating facilities. A reform of water law and a special royal decree now clarify the privileges and processes for these projects, creating a clearer path for developers.
Currently a small number of floating photovoltaic plants operate on modest reservoirs or artificial platforms, primarily for self-consumption and for irrigation systems in agriculture. The government plans to extend this approach to about one hundred reservoirs and other state hydraulic infrastructures such as canals or desalination plants. Concessions for up to 25 years will enable power companies to deploy and operate these floating solar facilities, expanding the reach of green power across public water assets.
The state intends to set environmental limits to govern how many plants can be built on each reservoir and how large they can be. Up to three solar projects may be placed on a single reservoir, and the better the water quality, the smaller the area required for photovoltaic farms. In practice, this means limiting installations to between 5% and 20% of a reservoir’s surface area. The use of fragile oligotrophic waters, lakes, and lagoons with pristine water quality will be restricted to protect water resources and human consumption needs.
Combine solar and hydropower
The Ministry of Ecological Transition, led by Vice-President Theresa Rivera, recognizes the potential environmental impacts of siting solar panels on reservoirs. While some effects are still under study, several advantages are already evident. Terrestrial solar projects benefit from cooling effects of water, which can boost panel efficiency, and reduced dust on surfaces helps sustain higher radiation capture. Floating solar over water bodies also presents opportunities to complement existing hydroelectric plants, potentially increasing overall electricity output and improving the efficiency of transmission networks that already serve hydro facilities.
The government’s plan calls for solar installations adjacent to sea-facing hydroelectric stations. This strategy aims to expand solar capacity alongside hydro output and to optimize the use of evacuation networks. When water levels drop and hydro output declines, floating solar can help stabilize generation by providing an alternate source of clean energy and smoothing seasonal fluctuations.
Efforts are underway to pave the way for both floating solar and hydro facilities. Large operators with a history in hydroelectric production, including Iberdrola, Endesa, Naturgy, and Acciona, are expected to take leading roles. Concessions are typically awarded through competitive bidding, with hydroelectric operators receiving priority to apply for hybrid projects that combine both technologies without competing against other companies in some cases. This approach could boost capacity for exporting electricity and strengthen grid reliability, as outlined in a draft royal decree open for public comment.
Financial considerations for floating solar on reservoirs include a proposed payment framework that ties income from electricity generation to concession terms. An amendment to the Waste Law, which has seen reconsideration after arbitration, remains a work in progress. The legal and regulatory landscape continues to evolve as authorities refine how floating solar projects will be taxed, taxed, and integrated with existing water management systems.
Presently, there are 106 state-owned reservoirs identified as potential sites for floating solar projects. These reservoirs are spread across major hydrographic basins: 28 in the Guadiana basin, 24 in Guadalquivir, 20 in Tagus, 19 in Ebro, six in Júcar, five in Segura, three in Duero, and one in the Miño-Sil basin. The plan envisions a gradual, site-sensitive rollout that respects environmental safeguards while expanding renewable capacity across the country.
In parallel with floating solar, the government is looking at ways to synchronize and upgrade transmission infrastructure to accommodate new generation. This entails reinforcing existing evacuation networks and ensuring robust interconnections that can handle variable solar production alongside hydro output. The objective is a more flexible, resilient energy system that can meet demand even during periods of water scarcity when hydro resources are strained.
As the country moves forward, the policy framework will continue to be adjusted through ongoing consultations and open comment periods. The aim is to balance rapid deployment with environmental protection and water resource stewardship, while encouraging investment from major players in the hydro and solar sectors. The evolving strategy highlights how floating solar can play a central role in a diversified renewable portfolio that includes traditional hydro power and other clean technologies.
Ultimately, Spain’s approach to combining floating solar with hydropower underscores a broader commitment to sustainable energy growth. By leveraging water bodies as a platform for solar generation, the country seeks to diversify its energy mix, reduce emissions, and strengthen energy security for households and businesses alike. The journey requires careful planning, continued research, and collaborative action among policymakers, industry, and communities across the nation, with the shared goal of a cleaner, more reliable energy future for generations to come.
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