Spanish startup FutureVoltaics has launched VectHor, a photovoltaic solution designed to increase irradiance capture and shift solar generation towards periods with higher electricity market value. The largest pilot plant in Lemoiz, Spain, using VectHor technology achieved a 51.4% higher specific yield compared to conventional installations, resulting in a 73.6% higher economic return. FutureVoltaics is collaborating with CABB to commercialize VectHor and plans to implement more installations in the future. The pilot project validates the durability and performance of the VectHor5 platform under challenging environmental conditions, contributing to improvements in installation and maintenance practices. The next iteration of the product will include improved reflector materials to further increase energy production and economic value of electricity generated.
Tag: Spain
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Study finds heatwaves cause hourly losses of up to 90% in PV plants in Iberian peninsula
Scientists analyzed the performance of three photovoltaic plants in Spain and Portugal during extreme heat events in 2024 and 2025, finding that heatwaves can cause significant yield losses in PV energy production. High temperatures affect module efficiency and trigger thermal derating in inverters, with yield losses concentrated during the hottest hours of the day. The study compared production data with meteorological information, confirming the dataset's suitability and highlighting the need to consider actual weather inputs during extreme heat events for accurate PV generation predictions. The European solar sector is now focused on improving the resilience of PV installations against production losses during periods of extreme heat, moving away from solely maximizing annual generation.
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Solar Energy Saves Europeans $135 Million A Day
Europe has seen significant savings in electricity costs due to the installation of solar power, avoiding billions in fossil fuel import costs. By deploying more solar, scaling storage, and accelerating electrification, Europe can reduce the role of gas in setting electricity prices and build a more secure and affordable energy system. Spain has doubled its wind and solar capacity, reducing the influence of expensive fossil generators on electricity prices. The focus on green technology in Europe has shown the benefits of renewable energy in reducing costs and increasing energy independence. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are setting new records for energy production in countries like Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, and the UK, proving to be cheaper and faster to install compared to fossil fuels. Global energy investment is shifting towards clean energy, with more money going into renewables, nuclear, grids, storage, efficiency, and electrification, further accelerated by political decisions and global events, making them the dominant energy sources of the future.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/08/solar-energy-saves-europeans-135-million-a-day/
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Spain, France set benchmark in renewables expansion without biodiversity loss
Swiss researchers conducted a comparative analysis of national policies in France, Italy, and Spain on integrating biodiversity into renewable energy planning and ecological impact monitoring under the European Green Deal framework. France and Spain have more advanced frameworks, with Spain prioritizing renewable energy projects in low environmental value areas and France leading in national coordination with specialized observatories. Italy remains regionally fragmented with gaps in cumulative impact assessment, depending on regional authorities for environmental integration of renewable energy. The study highlights the challenges and progress in aligning energy, environmental, and spatial planning policies for successful renewable deployment, emphasizing the need for assessing indirect, cumulative, and long-term effects on habitats and species.
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Renewables growth cut Spain’s electricity bills by 24.2% over the past two years
A new report from Positive Money reveals that Spain and Portugal have significantly reduced their exposure to gas price volatility by 53% in the past three years, thanks to the expansion of renewable energy. The study underscores how renewable energy is reshaping electricity prices in Europe, decreasing reliance on gas and mitigating vulnerability to volatile energy markets. The report also highlights the European Union's continued dependence on imported fossil fuels, leaving it susceptible to price shocks and geopolitical instability. Additionally, the report emphasizes the economic incentives for energy storage investments driven by low midday prices and higher evening peak prices, signaling the growing importance of energy storage technologies in the transition to a more sustainable and reliable energy system amidst shifting market dynamics.
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Entso-E report finds systemic failures behind 2025 Iberian blackout
Entso-E's final root cause report on the April 28, 2025 blackout in Spain and Portugal identified systemic failures in voltage control, reactive power management, and regulatory frameworks, with manual disconnections and lack of real-time monitoring contributing to the blackout. The investigation was hindered by incomplete data, particularly from generators below 1 MW. Entso-E issued 22 recommendations to strengthen European grid resilience, focusing on voltage control, oscillatory stability, disconnection behavior, and defense and restoration, including improving reactive power resources, real-time visibility, and harmonizing operating voltage ranges. The article also discusses recommendations for improving small-scale generation, defense, and restoration in the context of climate-related incidents, suggesting adaptive load shedding schemes, better coordination among operators, and standardized data collection frameworks for future investigations.
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The Epstein War Breathes New Life Into Green Hydrogen Industry
US President Trump's war on Iran has caused fossil energy costs to rise, impacting natural gas markets in Europe and the US, leading to a renewed focus on green hydrogen projects. In Andalusia, Spain, a joint venture between H2Pro and Doral Hydrogen is moving forward with plans for a 50-megawatt off-grid green hydrogen project. This project aims to produce hydrogen entirely from off-grid solar power for blending into the existing natural gas pipeline and connecting with the forthcoming H2Med hydrogen pipeline for export. The Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program in the US, aimed at kickstarting the green hydrogen supply chain, is facing challenges due to funding withdrawal under the Trump administration, impacting farmers who could benefit from sustainable fertilizer produced with green hydrogen.
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The Hydrogen Stream: bp and Iberdrola set to commission Spain’s largest project
BP, Iberdrola, Moeve, Hyundai Motor Group, ITM, RWE, and Snam are all making significant strides in the development of green hydrogen projects and hydrogen technologies. With projects nearing completion in Spain, final investment decisions being approved, and commitments to develop hydrogen infrastructure in Germany and South Korea, these companies are paving the way for a more sustainable future. From setting up advanced AI and hydrogen technology hubs to shipping final batches of stacks for electrolyzer plants, these efforts are crucial in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Snam's commitment of €200 million by 2030 to develop a hydrogen backbone using existing gas pipelines further demonstrates the growing momentum towards climate solutions in the energy sector.
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Renewables account for more than 55 pct of Spain’s energy mix in 2025, and in first month of 2026
In 2025 and January 2026, renewable energy made up over half of Spain's total energy mix, with wind energy leading the way followed by solar PV. Despite rising electricity demand, renewable production reached record levels, with wind power maintaining its position as the top source of electricity generation. Energy storage technologies played a crucial role in maximizing the utilization of renewable energy sources.
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Agrivoltaics? Yes in my vineyard
Researchers in Spain conducted a study in the Murcia region, surveying 238 wine tourists and finding broad support for trellis-integrated agrivoltaics in vineyards, with 94% backing solar integration. The study focused on vineyards in a region where viticulture is significant, with questions about the importance of photovoltaic energy, preferred system configurations, and perceptions of landscape integration. Overall, the research found a positive social perception of agrivoltaic systems, particularly in vineyard settings, confirming high acceptance of this dual-use land model among the surveyed population. The results were presented in a study published in Renewable Energy Focus, with involvement from academics at Technical University of Cartagena and Miguel Hernández University of Elche.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/12/agrivoltaics-yes-in-my-vineyard/