Iberdrola Espa\u00f1a, Iberdrola\u2019s subsidiary Spain, is enhancing energy storage capacity on the River Tagus through the implementation of technological upgrades at the Valdeca\u00f1as facility (C\u00e1ceres, south-western Spain). The commissioning of these improvements increases the system\u2019s total capacity by 355 MW and adds 210 GWh of storage, reinforcing renewable energy integration and improving the resilience and reliability of the electricity system.<\/p>\n
This facility has already successfully carried out its first pumping operations<\/a>. The \u2018gigabattery\u2019 created by interconnecting two of Europe\u2019s largest reservoirs \u2013\u00a0Alc\u00e1ntara and Valdeca\u00f1as \u2013 enables the absorption of surplus energy from intermittent renewable sources<\/a> (solar and wind) to be fed back into the system when these sources are unavailable and demand requires it.<\/p>\n The upgraded configuration at Valdeca\u00f1as also incorporates a 15 MW \/ 7.5 MWh hybrid battery, further increasing the Tajo system\u2019s storage capacity by up to 210 GWh. This is equivalent to the average annual electricity consumption of 60,000 households, more than 4 million electric vehicle batteries, or more than two weeks of total electricity demand in Extremadura<\/a>. This additional capacity enhances system flexibility and supports more efficient demand management, particularly during peak periods.<\/p>\n In addition, the coordinated operation of the Valdeca\u00f1as, Torrej\u00f3n, Alc\u00e1ntara and Cedillo reservoirs \u2014 supported by active management of the Ti\u00e9tar tributary through pumping \u2014 helps to mitigate flood peaks, reduce flood risk, preserve ecosystems and optimise strategic water reserves throughout the year.\u00a0<\/p>\n