What percentage of Spain's power grid is saturated?

According to the article, more than 80% of the Spanish grid's nodes cannot handle any increase in the volume of generated electricity.

How will the saturation of Spain's power grid impact the country's renewable energy potential?

The article states that without urgent investment and planning, the grid's limitations could "waste the potential of renewable energy and limit the economic growth and competitiveness that electrification can bring to Spain."

Home / Business and Economy / Spanish Grid Operators Warn of Widespread Saturation, Call for Urgent Investment

Spanish Grid Operators Warn of Widespread Saturation, Call for Urgent Investment

Q: What is the main reason Spanish utilities are demanding higher returns on grid investments?

The article explains that Spanish authorities regulate grid investments and set limits on the returns utilities can earn, which are ultimately paid for by consumers. The utilities are demanding a higher return rate of 7.5% to fund the necessary grid upgrades.

9 Sep

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Summary

Over 80% of Spain's power grid nodes cannot handle increased electricity generation
Lack of investment and planning threatens renewable energy growth and economic competitiveness
Utilities demand higher returns on grid investments to fund necessary upgrades

Spanish Grid Operators Warn of Widespread Saturation, Call for Urgent Investment

As of September 9, 2025, Spain's power utilities are sounding the alarm on the state of the country's electricity grid. According to the industry group Aelec, more than 80% of the grid's nodes cannot handle any increase in generated electricity, which could lead to instability and reduced efficiency.

The Spanish grid is primarily operated by Redeia, and Aelec has analyzed a global map published by the grid operators. They conclude that significant investments, higher returns on those investments, and strict planning are urgently needed to prevent bottlenecks and allow for the connection of new industry, housing, storage, and electric mobility.

Without these measures, Aelec warns that Spain risks "wasting the potential of renewable energy and limiting the economic growth and competitiveness that electrification can bring." The issue was reignited by a major blackout that hit Spain and Portugal in April, highlighting the need for investment in the country's power networks.

Spanish authorities regulate grid investments and set limits on the returns utilities can earn, which are ultimately paid for by consumers. While the regulator has increased the return on investments to 6.46%, the utilities are demanding a higher rate of 7.5% to fund the necessary upgrades.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.