The preliminary administrative authorization granted by the Ministry for Ecological Transition to the Glauco Almacena and La Farga BESS battery plants represents a significant step forward for these energy storage projects. Although urban, environmental, and sectoral permits are still pending, this approval opens a debate on the integration of energy infrastructure into the territory.
Battery installations do not generate electricity but are crucial for the power grid, especially with the rise of renewable energies. They allow for storing excess energy when available and releasing it when demand increases. Both projects will connect to the La Farga substation, owned by Red Eléctrica, a key point for energy distribution.
The Glauco Almacena plant, promoted by Energía Glauco SL, will have 55.384 MW of capacity and 221.536 MWh of storage. It will include 56 iron-phosphate-lithium battery containers and a 30 kV underground line that will run through Vilademuls and Sant Julià de Ramis.
Meanwhile, La Farga BESS, driven by Cadaques Directorship SL, will be larger with 148.394 MW of capacity and 296.788 MWh of storage. This facility includes 77 Tesla Megapack 2 XL battery containers, twenty transformer stations, and a 220 kV underground line to the La Farga substation.
Urban and environmental integration remains a sensitive issue. The Sant Julià de Ramis Town Council initially warned about the incompatibility of the Glauco Almacena project with protected agricultural land, while the Vilademuls Town Council submitted environmental objections for La Farga BESS, which it later accepted after a modified project.
The environmental assessment also sets measures to mitigate landscape and noise impact, including a green screen for La Farga BESS. It is noted that both municipalities have a high fire risk, although the specific project area has a low risk, bordering forest areas.
The approvals do not mean immediate commencement of construction. Promoters must fulfill several pending conditions, such as adapting to environmental reports and completing public information procedures. This places the projects in an intermediate phase, with preliminary administrative approval but without all the necessary permits to begin construction.
