Spain has enacted a new regulation facilitating the installation of floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) projects on publicly or state-owned reservoirs, linked to existing grid connections. The decree, passed by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) following a council of ministers meeting on July 9, comes more than two years after its initial public consultation.
The royal decree largely maintains its original provisions, with notable amendments including restrictions on the maximum water surface area that PV projects can occupy. Projects on mesotrophic waters, characterized as ‘clear water', are limited to occupying 5% of the reservoir's surface, while this allowance increases to 15% for eutrophic waters, which have a higher biological presence. Natural lakes, ponds, or unaltered water surfaces are excluded from hosting solar PV installations.
Licenses for FPV projects will be temporary, not exceeding 25 years, and can be obtained either through company proposals or public auctions. MITECO plans to implement monitoring policies to assess environmental impacts and operational dynamics, emphasizing the dual benefits of FPV technology for energy production and environmental conservation.
The introduction of this regulatory framework underscores Spain's commitment to expanding renewable energy capacities through innovative solutions while ensuring sustainable environmental stewardship of its water resources.
