A strategic partnership between 3E and Opdenergy 3E
Opdenergy’s hybridisation goals
Opdenergy is a renewable energy producer with over 17 years of experience, committed to advancing the transition to a sustainable energy model. With more than 1,000 MWp in operation and a pipeline of approximately 13 GWp in solar, wind and storage, the company plays a key role in decarbonisation. Through its projects in Europe, the USA and Latin America, Opdenergy contributes to reducing emissions and fostering a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Recently, Opdenergy commissioned 3E to help them hybridise several of their existing solar plants in Aragon, Spain, with BESS and/or wind.
3E’s comprehensive approach as a technical advisor
To assist with this process, 3E conducted an extensive, multi-phase operation. First, 3E carried out a study to determine the feasibility of hybridisation across the selected sites. This study included a wind resource assessment, a review of site constrains, an analysis of BESS technology and a study of the interconnection with the substation — whether through overhead lines (OHL) or underground cables. Once feasibility was established, 3E also designed optimised layouts for the hybridisation, created high-level pre-engineering designs for each plant (covering both electrical and civil aspects), and assisted Opdenergy during the permit submission process. Finally, 3E created a detailed design that laid the foundation for effective procurement and construction.
The challenge: Overcoming technical, regulatory and procedural challenges in large-scale renewable hybridisation
With Spain’s ambitious sustainability targets and growing energy demand, hybridisation is becoming a key trend in the country’s renewable energy sector. It is seen as a way for companies to optimise their existing infrastructure, while addressing the challenges of intermittent energy supply. By combining technologies like wind, solar and battery storage, energy producers can create more stable and efficient systems. This helps to maximise output while reducing downtime. Looking to future-proof their operations, Opdenergy decided to hybridise their plants.
But hybridisation is never a simple process — technically, regulatorily and procedurally. In addition, Odpenergy’s portfolio was particularly challenging due to its size, and the combination of technologies involved. For this reason, they decided that outside help was warranted, and so they commissioned 3E to assist with the process.
As the project kicked off, Opdenergy had 13 solar plants in Aragon, either in operation or about to be operational. The plan was to optimise the value of these plants by hybridising them with both BESS and wind technology, where the resource, environmental criteria and availability of space allowed.
The solution: 3E support in optimising Opdenergy’s BESS hybridisation projects
1) Regulatory review
First, 3E performed a high-level review of the local regulatory framework. This included a particular focus on new regulations and energy storage permitting. This ensured the project approach was fully aligned with the current requirements.
2) BESS sizing
The aim of this step was to identify potential risks, determine best scenarios, and ensure the hybridisation process was viable from a technical, financial and regulatory perspective.
To achieve a balance between energy costs, stable power output and total revenue, 3E created a digital twin — a virtual model of the potential wind/solar farms and battery systems. The digital twin enabled 3E to test various battery size configurations while running an optimisation model.
This model stimulated the revenues generated (such as ancillary services, imbalance market, grid curtailment reduction and spot market arbitrage) and provided assumptions regarding capital and operating expenditures (CAPEX and OPEX) for each scenario. It also identified the optimal size for the co-located BESS plants, accounting for financial, regulatory and technical constraints.
To learn more about how a digital twin can help you reduce risks during the development, commissioning and operational phases of your hybrid projects, read this whitepaper entitled 'Optimising hybrid projects with Digital Twin technology'.
3) Conceptual design & optimisation
For each selected layout, 3E optimised its design and developed a customised conceptual site design. This included refining the layout of the hybrid systems, determining the sizing and placement of key components, and ensuring the implementation layout followed industry best practices. The conceptual design also included an analysis of the installed capacity, electrical design, documentation for grid access update and equipment selection based on a manufacturing review, preparing the groundwork for permitting and detailed engineering.
4) Permitting support & guidance
In Spain, integrating a new technology into an existing plant requires a comprehensive update and reapproval of all associated permits.
3E guided Opdenergy through the entire permitting process. We helped our client to gather, prepare and submit all the technical documentation, including design summary, project layout, electrical design, interconnection line calculations and technical drawings.
5) Detailed engineering
Once the permits came through, our engineers helped Opdenergy translate the conceptual designs into detailed engineering plans. The goal was to ensure the projects complied with all technical, safety and regulatory standards and that all aspects of the project were prepared for a smooth transition to procurement and construction. The detailed plans also addressed potential operational challenges, setting the foundation for cost-effective, efficient and timely project delivery.
The outcome: Increased energy efficiency & revenue
1) Optimised energy output
Through 3E’s feasibility study and design optimisation, Opdenergy was able to maximise energy production and efficiency. By strategically combining technologies in an optimal way, they reduce downtime, increase energy output and stabilise power output, aligning with Spain’s growing energy demand and sustainability targets.
2) Enhanced financial viability
3E used a digital twin model to determine the optimal layouts for balancing energy costs with revenue potential. This approach enabled Opdenergy to reduce operational costs and downtime, while optimising energy production and revenue from ancillary services, imbalance markets and grid curtailment — ultimately increasing financial returns and the overall value of their projects.
3) Regulatory and technical compliance
3E's regulatory review and technical support ensured that the hybridisation of the plants met local and national regulations, industry best practice and field requirements. By working with one partner overseeing both aspects, Opdenergy benefited from a streamlined process, from design to permitting and construction.
4) Streamlined permitting application
3E's thorough knowledge of the local regulation and experience in permitting enabled a smooth and efficient update application. By assisting Opdenergy with gathering, preparing and submitting the necessary documentation, 3E expertly managed the entire process, reducing administrative burdens for the client.
Why choose 3E as your technical consultant for your renewable energy projects?
Global expertise, local knowledge
Having local offices and experts around the world allows us to assign the right profiles to each project. Our global experience and our local presence enable us to provide high-quality advisory services based on in-depth local market knowledge. This expertise also facilitates the communication with our clients and partners and enables us to swiftly adapt to local or changing requirements.
Daniel Larez Coronado, Project Development Manager at Opdenergy, explains:
"3E's responsiveness and flexibility were crucial throughout the project. Their strong experience in the Spanish market provided us with precise, actionable advice that helped us navigate regulatory & technical challenges effectively.”
Expert technical and regulatory advisory for solar, wind, green hydrogen & BESS technologies
At 3E, our extensive experience across all renewable technologies, combined with our ability to provide both policy and technical support, sets us apart. This diverse expertise enables us to offer comprehensive guidance for complex projects.
Daniel Larez Coronado further emphasizes 3E’s technical and strategic capabilities, stating:
"3E's deep understanding of wind, solar and BESS, as well as their expertise in procurement and the regulatory landscape, was essential in optimising the performance and revenue potential of our project."
25 years of proven expertise in renewable energy
For over 25 years, 3E has been at the forefront of delivering advisory services in the renewable energy sector. Throughout this time, we have strived to empower our clients with the technical and strategic insight that is necessary for project optimisation.
Whether you're just starting a project, or even if you’re already in the implementation phase, we are here to help you navigate every stage of your project's lifecycle. No matter the location, complexity and technology.
If you’d like to see other examples of our work, you can view additional project references and client testimonials on our resource page. Or alternatively, if you’d like to receive a detailed capability statement showcasing our past projects and expertise, you can request it via this contact form.
