65 MW Storage Plants in Asturias: Environmental Report Approved

Key data

Two energy storage plants using batteries of 65 MW each in the Principality of Asturias have just passed the main environmental filter of the authorization process. The Resolution of April 9, 2026 from the General Directorate of Quality and Environmental Assessment (reference BOE-A-2026-8573) formulates the environmental impact report for the plants PB Navegantes 32 and PB Navegantes 33, unlocking the path toward the administrative authorizations necessary for their construction.

Without this report, the project cannot advance. With it approved, the promoter can initiate authorization procedures with the competent administrations. It is a relevant milestone for the development of energy storage in northern Spain.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution does three specific things:

• Formulates the environmental impact report for PB Navegantes 32 and PB Navegantes 33 plants, both 65 MW, located in the Principality of Asturias.
• Includes the evacuation infrastructure necessary to connect storage to the electrical grid, which also form part of the scope of the evaluated project.
• Establishes environmental conditions that the promoter must comply with during the construction phase and during plant operation.

The environmental impact report is a regulated procedure within the environmental assessment process. Its favorable issuance does not equate to construction authorization, but it is the prerequisite without which administrative authorizations that allow project execution cannot be obtained.

Battery energy storage plants store electricity when there is excess renewable generation and return it to the grid when there is demand. This allows management of the intermittency characteristic of sources such as wind or solar, which do not generate constantly.

Economic and operational impact

For the promoter, approval of the environmental report means unlocking the investment associated with the project. Without this step, investment in construction cannot materialize. From now on, the process continues with administrative authorizations from the competent administrations.

For the energy sector in Asturias and northern Spain, the entry into operation of 130 MW of battery storage would have a direct impact on the capacity to integrate renewables into the regional electrical grid. Storage reduces renewable energy spillage and improves system efficiency.

For local and regional administrations of Asturias, the project implies coordination in authorization procedures and monitoring of compliance with environmental conditions established in the resolution.

From an operational perspective, the project includes not only storage plants but also evacuation infrastructure, which means that the scope of work and subsequent procedures encompasses both battery installations and the lines and substations necessary to connect them to the grid.

Who does it affect?

• Project promoters: must comply with environmental conditions set in the resolution during construction and operation, and continue administrative authorization procedures.
• Regional administration of Asturias: competent in processing authorizations and monitoring environmental compliance.
• Local administrations of Asturias in the municipalities where the plants and evacuation infrastructure are located.
• Energy sector: storage companies, grid operators and renewable promoters operating or planning to operate in northern Spain.
• Construction and engineering companies participating in project execution once authorizations are obtained.

Practical example

An energy promoter has PB Navegantes 32 and PB Navegantes 33 plants in Asturias in its portfolio. Until the publication of this resolution, the project was blocked in the environmental assessment phase: without the favorable report, it was not possible to request administrative construction authorizations.

With the resolution of April 9, 2026, the promoter can now submit to the competent administrations the request for administrative authorization, providing the environmental impact report as documentation proving compliance with the environmental procedure. From that point on, the process advances toward the authorization phase and, subsequently, toward the construction of the two plants, which total 130 MW of storage capacity plus associated evacuation infrastructure.

Throughout the entire construction and operation process, the promoter must demonstrate compliance with the environmental conditions established in the resolution, under supervision of the competent administrations.

What should companies do now?

1. If you are the project promoter: review in detail the environmental conditions established in the resolution (BOE-A-2026-8573) and integrate them into the project plan for construction and operation. Any non-compliance can halt subsequent authorizations.
2. Initiate administrative authorization procedures: the favorable environmental report opens the door to construction authorizations. Identify which administrations are competent (regional and local) and prepare the necessary documentation.
3. Plan evacuation infrastructure: the project includes not only battery plants but also evacuation infrastructure. Ensure that both components are coordinated in authorization procedures.
4. If you are an energy sector company in Asturias: analyze how the entry into operation of 130 MW of storage can affect your operations, grid management or your renewable projects in the region.
5. If you are a local or regional administration: prepare procedures for monitoring and controlling compliance with environmental conditions established in the resolution for construction and operation phases.