The energy sector is in a constant state of evolution, particularly the electricity sector. We are used to frequent technical and legislative updates, whether in the form of new energy storage projects, hybridisation, advances in electric mobility, or significant regulatory changes. Meanwhile, key aspects affecting the profitability of many renewable energy installations often go more unnoticed, despite having a direct impact on the revenues of the owners of these generation assets.

For this reason, in this article I would like to highlight that, as established by regulation, at the beginning of February the Official State Gazette (BOE) published Order TED/53/2026, which updates the regulatory parameters for installations for the 2026–2031 period. This order ensures the well-known reasonable return of 7.09% (7.398% for installations recognised prior to Royal Decree 9/2013) and also updates the investment and operational remuneration values for the next three years (2026–2028).

Lower minimum hourly requirements and greater stability

In addition, and due to the estimated market prices for the respective three-year period — €61.65/MWh, €59.11/MWh and €58.65/MWh — producers under the specific remuneration scheme, particularly photovoltaic installations, will also see a reduction in the minimum number of hours required to obtain 100% of the regulated premium.

To help understand this update in remuneration values, a 100 kW photovoltaic installation from 2006, with standard production, could see an approximate increase of €7,303.79 in revenues from the CNMC during 2026.

Moreover, the reduction in the required minimum operating hours provides additional certainty for many plant owners. For example, in the case mentioned above, the minimum threshold would drop from 945 hours to just 424 hours per year, equivalent to 52,100 kWh, significantly reducing the risk of failing to meet the requirements to receive the full regulated premium.

An increasingly complex market context

This change is in addition to the flexibility introduced in the calculation of equivalent operating hours by Royal Decree 917/2025. Under the new regulation, production is only excluded when electricity prices are negative for six full and consecutive hours or more. Previously, under Royal Decree 413/2014, this limitation also applied when prices were at €0/MWh.

This difference is particularly relevant in the current energy context, characterised by high renewable penetration and very low — and often negative — prices during midday hours. This situation had created uncertainty among many photovoltaic producers, particularly regarding the risk of losing part of their regulated remuneration.

As a result, the latest regulatory updates provide greater stability and economic predictability for owners of installations under the specific remuneration scheme. Although these may appear to be minor adjustments, their impact on the economic viability of many plants is significant, especially in an increasingly complex market environment during solar production hours.

Jordi Riba Mas, Director of Support and Operations at Respira Energia.