Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a pumped-storage hydropower plant?

The infrastructure acts as a large-scale renewable energy storage system. Unlike conventional power plants, it can pump water to an upper reservoir when excess electricity is available, storing energy for later use. When demand increases, the stored water is released to generate electricity, supplying the grid when it is needed most.

What are the main components of the project?

The project consists of two water reservoirs, an upper reservoir located in La Fatarella and a lower reservoir in Flix, which are connected by nearly five kilometres of underground tunnels. At the heart of the facility is an underground powerhouse cavern housing pump-turbines and associated equipment used for both energy storage and electricity generation.

How does it generate and store energy?

When there is a surplus of renewable energy on the grid, that electricity is used to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir, effectively storing energy. When additional power is needed, the water is released from a height of approximately 450 meters, driving the turbines and generating electricity that is fed into the grid.

What distinguishes GIRA from other technologies?

It is the most mature and efficient large-scale energy storage technology, with a round-trip efficiency of 70-80%, an operational lifespan exceeding 50 years without loss of storage capacity, and virtually no technological risk.

Why is it essential for the electricity system?

It enhances the resilience of the electricity system, reducing the risk of power outages, while enabling the management of power capacities exceeding 1,000 MW, far beyond the capabilities of most battery storage technologies. In addition, it helps stabilize electricity prices by storing energy when prices are low and generating power during periods of peak demand, thereby moderating price spikes and improving overall market efficiency.

How will it Benefit the local economy?

A total private investment of up to €1.2 billion is estimated. This will generate significant tax revenue for the municipalities of Ribera d’Ebre and Terra Alta.

How many Jobs will be created?

The project will create thousands of jobs during the civil works and construction phase, prioritising local workforce participation whenever possible. During the operational phase, the facility will create around 50 stable, highly qualified jobs, providing long-term skilled employment and supporting the region’s economic development.

Will it attract other companies?

Yes, access to competitively priced clean energy will help position the region as an attractive hub for hub for high-value industrial activities, including semiconductor production, green hydrogen projects and advanced manufacturing associated with Industry 4.0.

Does it help reduce emissions?

Yes, by preventing wind and solar energy from being wasted (renewable curtailment), we maximize the use of clean electricity and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and external energy sources.

What is its role in the European strategy?

It is part of a group of key projects identified by the European Union as essential to achieving its climate objectives and ensuring the provision of affordable, secure and sustainable energy.

Who supervises the project?

GIRA is being developed in close collaboration with municipalities, public bodies and government institutions. The project must comply with Spain’s national energy regulations and the guidelines established by the Government of Catalonia (Generalitat de Catalunya), while also being subject to the oversight of the Ebro River Basin Authority (Confederación Hidrográfica del Ebro, CHE) in matters relating to water resources and management.

The GIRA project began to take shape more than 15 years ago, driven by a team of professional with strong ties to the Terres de l’Ebre region. Their commitment to energy innovation and environmental sustainability led them to explore ways to store large surpluses of renewable electricity in these countries. Building on this vision, they worked to make the challenge of developing a pumped-storage hydropower plant in the Terres de l’Ebre a reality, an effort that ultimately led to the creation of EBERGY 2011.

Since December 2024, Ebergy 2011 S.L. has been majority-owned by Cobra Infraestructuras Hidráulicas, S.A. (CIH), part of the Cobra Group, an international company employing more than 20,500 people, operating in over 40 countries, and generating annual revenues of €3.8 billion.

What stage is the project currently at?

The project is currently in the development and approval stage, with the preliminary technical and economic feasibility assessments already completed. The project is now progressing through the necessary permitting and administrative procedures, with construction expected to take around five years.

Does the project consume large amounts of river water?

It operates as a pure closed loop. Once the reservoirs have been filled, water continuously circulates between them, and only the volume lost through natural evaporation needs to be replenished.

Does it take water away from farmers?

Water withdrawals are carried out in accordance with the concessions and permits granted by the Ebro River Basin authority (Confederación Hidrográfica del Ebro, CHE) and never come at the expense of priority water uses such as public water supply or agriculture.

How is biodiversity protected?

Specific studies on hydrology, landscape, noise and biodiversity are being carried out to identify, minimise, and mitigate any potential environmental impacts. In addition, because the reservoirs are located outside the river channel, the project’s impact on the river ecosystem is expected to be minimal.