The renewable energy sector is experiencing a genuine surge driven by rising electricity costs. This has sparked a flood of self‑consumption projects reported by the Valencian Institute for Business Competitiveness (Ivace). Companies are responding with renewed energy policy engagement, anticipating subsidies that could rise by an additional 16 million euros and push the overall budget to 92 million. Since late 2021, Alicante province has seen roughly 2,600 applications, with about 460 already receiving support.
Data from the Department of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism indicates that Ivace received 2,593 projects from Alicante businesses. Of these, 2,414 relate to electricity self‑consumption facilities powered by renewable energy, notably photovoltaic solar technology. The remaining 179 projects focus on storage solutions. When these facilities become operational, they are expected to deliver at least 210 megawatts of capacity.
From the total intake of projects, Ivace has allocated 10 million euros to support 463 initiatives to date. The total company investment is projected to climb nearly fourfold to 38 million euros, with planned installed capacity exceeding 50 megawatts. Around 282 projects involve firms in the service sector, while the balance covers other productive industries.
Councilor Nuria Montes underscored the Generalitat’s commitment to accelerating renewable self‑consumption within Alicante’s productive sector “to the maximum extent.” She highlighted rising corporate interest in the province and noted the region’s high solar radiation and sunshine hours, calling it a key factor in fostering adoption of renewable energies, particularly solar power.
State quadruples self‑consumption solar installations
To make this expansion feasible, more financing is required, and the Generalitat is gradually expanding its support. The initial subsidy program budget stood at 31.18 million euros, with Ivace already targeting an increase to 75.64 million euros after an initial uplift of 44.46 million. Given the steady stream of new applications, the institute has consulted the Institute for Energy Conservation and Diversification (IDAE) about a further 16 million euro budget increase in the Valencian Community. The aim is to back the maximum possible number of applications, according to Manuel Argüelles, the Energy and Mining General Manager.
These incentives form part of the Next Generation funds managed by Ivace, specifically within the program to promote self‑consumption installations using renewable energy sources in both the service sector and other productive sectors of the Community. The program remains open through the 31st of this month.
Beneficiaries
Eligible beneficiaries include individuals and groups of companies carrying out economic activities, such as managers of industrial sites, operating companies, tenants or concessionaires of energy‑related activities, and energy service companies (ESEs). Renewable energy communities can also access these grants.
The grant amount varies based on beneficiary type, project size, and technology. Self‑consumption incentives typically range from 15% to 50% of eligible costs. When storage systems are included, the aid percentage can reach up to 65%.
Measures to speed up the process
Similar to solar plant authorizations, the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism is adopting steps to accelerate processing of self‑consumption projects under this aid. The regional department is introducing digital tools and pursuing agreements with professional associations to streamline procedures.