Seven Spanish energy sector companies (Red Eléctrica, Elewit, HESStec, Cen Solutions, S2 Grupo, and UL Solutions) are jointly developing ViSync, a new R&D&I project focused on hybrid electrical energy storage at the 66 kV Tías substation in Lanzarote. The goal of this initiative is to provide greater flexibility to the grid through this innovative system.
The pioneering ViSync system will begin installation in the coming weeks at the substation, following the recent Administrative Authorisation granted by the Directorate General for Energy of Islas Canarias’ Department of Energy Transition. Its real-scale operation will be validated over a three-year period with a view to its potential future deployment at other sites. For its development, the consortium has a budget of €7.9 million, of which €3 million come from European Union funds, namely the NextGenerationEU – Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PERTE ERHA).
According to Silvia Bruno, Director of Elewit, ‘ViSync embodies our vision of a more sustainable energy future: a pioneering project that combines innovation and collaboration to transform the way the grid is managed, strengthening the quality and continuity of supply.’ Each breakthrough we achieve here at the Tías 66 kV substation not only validates new technologies but also paves the way for Spain to lead the energy transition with scalable, high-impact solutions.
This project will help further optimise the use of electricity grids and enhance their flexibility, thereby strengthening the Lanzarote–Fuerteventura electricity system. In addition, ViSync is expected to enable greater penetration of renewable energy generation, helping transform Islas Canarias into a more sustainable and efficient energy system.
A pioneering project in Spain
The proposed hybrid system combines lithium-ion batteries and grid-forming ultracapacitors, a new generation of power inverter-converter technology that helps stabilise the grid. It will have a storage capacity of 3.45 MWh and a maximum power output of 18.8 MVA.
The consortium behind the initiative will oversee its implementation, with Elewit specifically coordinating the dissemination and exchange of insights with other ongoing projects addressing similar topics. This approach aims to maximise the impact of the actions undertaken and ensure that the knowledge gained can be replicated in future advanced storage initiatives—both by grid operators and other players in the energy sector—supporting Spain’s energy transition and decarbonisation efforts.
Project funded by the European Union, NextGenerationEU – Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PERTE ERHA).