Spanish island Menorca investing in 18MWh of distributed battery storage

Menorca, part of Spain’s Balearic Islands, has announced a four-year energy transition plan, aiming to install 18MWh of distributed battery storage systems (BESS) by 2027. The initiative, led by the island’s Council, is a €24 million (US$26.2 million) investment in solar PV, BESS, and EV charge points across Menorca’s eight municipalities. This project supports the Menorca 2030 Strategy, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Menorca plans to install 9.24MWp of solar PV on car park pergolas and public building rooftops, joining the 4.5MWp already in use. This solar capacity will support ‘local energy communities’ focused on energy self-sufficiency. BESS units, currently less common on the island, will be strategically integrated with publicly owned generation and self-consumption facilities.

Each municipality will host specific allocations of solar PV and battery storage. For example, Es Castell will receive 2.98MWp of solar and 8.46MWh of battery capacity, while Ferreries will add 1.83MWp of solar and 5.23MWh of battery storage.

On mainland Spain, large-scale energy storage is also expanding, supported by government tenders and a growing need to balance solar power generation. Menorca’s energy plan aligns with these broader goals, enhancing resilience and sustainability.