Rapidly rising gas and electricity costs keep pressuring both industry and households, making solar power a key option for energy resilience. In response, the Generalitat has accelerated the permitting process, a move that follows a period of slower progress. With 18 technicians added, the Community of Valencia now has 453 solar power project files under review, including 177 from the Alicante province.
Driven by higher prices, the Consell, chaired by Ximo Puig, enacted a series of measures last March to speed up renewable energy deployment across the region, with ambitions reaching into 2030. The plan includes the planned closure of the Cofrents nuclear facility and aims for self-sufficiency by that year. Solar energy is expected to contribute a meaningful share of regional production, strengthening the overall energy mix and reducing import dependence.
Historically, project processing lagged, with 319 photovoltaic plants queued and 132 in Alicante specifically. This delay unsettled project owners who stood to lose nearly 100 million euros in guarantees with electricity suppliers when timelines stretched beyond expectations.
What has changed since then? Economy Minister Rafa Climent notes that a staffing boost, including 18 technicians working with Tragsa, has enabled the administration to accelerate reviews. The aim is to begin processing as soon as projects arrive, shortening the interval between submission and approval.
Today, Valencia reports 453 active cases, representing 6,154 megawatts of installed or planned capacity across the region. Alicante accounts for 2,184 megawatts, while Valencia holds 2,849 megawatts and Castellón 1,120 megawatts. In Alicante specifically, 32 projects are in the application stage and awaiting review, 45 have been accepted for processing, 55 are in the public disclosure phase awaiting decisions by Environment and Landscape departments, and seven have published environmental impact reports. Operational projects total six, with three more plants in operation awaiting, while 29 files have been rejected and cannot proceed.
The broader industry voice voices concern about potential losses if delays persist. Minister Climent notes that several projects faced technical missteps that cost valuable time for staff and organizers. The call is for greater rigor in project preparation to minimize setbacks and accelerate implementation across the sector.
Beyond Generalitat actions, larger initiatives fall under the Ministry of Energy Transition. Ivace, the Valencia Institute for Commercial Competitiveness, plans to allocate six million euros to support energy efficiency upgrades in regional industries. The objective is to cut energy consumption and emissions, improve air quality, and reduce operating costs. Minister Climent emphasizes that efficiency is central to lowering expenses and underscores ongoing efforts to help companies invest in measures that reduce electricity use and bills. These programs aim to strengthen the region’s energy security while advancing a cleaner industrial base.
Overall, the Valencia energy strategy combines faster permit approvals, expanded solar capacity, and efficiency improvements across enterprises. The expected outcome is lower energy costs for consumers, diversification of regional energy sources, and progress toward a more self-sufficient and environmentally responsible energy system. Source attributions reflect statements from regional and national officials and Ivace program outlines, as reported by public authorities and sector observers [Source: regional authorities; Ivace program].