Miteco's Milestone 25-J: 24,870 MW of Photovoltaic Power Construction Approved

The Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (Miteco) in Spain has granted the Administrative Construction Authorization (AAC) to 283 renewable energy projects, representing a total capacity of 28,123 MW.

The decision comes just before the extended deadline of July 25, 2024, set by Royal Decree-Law 23/2020. Initially, 428 projects began obtaining the AAC, but only 321 received a favourable Environmental Impact Declaration, with 70% needing to meet specific environmental conditions.

Of the projects that received AAC approval, 43 were wind projects with a combined capacity of 2,680 MW, while 239 were photovoltaic projects totalling 24,870 MW. Additionally, a 573 MW pumped hydroelectric power plant was also approved. The total investment required for these projects exceeds 17 billion euros and is expected to create a significant number of jobs, estimated to be around 300,000, thereby boosting the economy.

These authorized projects are now cleared to begin construction immediately and must be operational within three years. This development is crucial for meeting Spain's energy goals outlined in the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC). The PNIEC aims to triple the country's current photovoltaic capacity to exceed 76 GW and double the wind power capacity to over 62 GW by 2030, ensuring that 81% of Spain's electricity comes from clean energy sources by the decade's end.