As reported by Redeia, the parent company of Red Eléctrica, during their meeting in Vitoria, Corredor and Pradales discussed strategic electrical infrastructures in Euskadi. The goal is to meet new industrial demands, enhance supply quality, enable new railway corridors, and advance the energy transition.
The agreement aims for these projects, included in the current Electrical Planning, to continue strengthening the electrical transmission network of the Basque Autonomous Community, thereby facilitating industrial decarbonization, economic and social development, and job creation. Among the key projects is the underground and submarine electrical interconnection with France via the Bay of Biscay, currently under construction with all terrestrial works already initiated.
This project has been declared 'of Common Interest' by the EU for the European energy system, as it will double the current interconnection capacity between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of continental Europe to 5,000 MW.
Red Eléctrica stated that the project's design was developed "through an open and participatory process," seeking "the greatest possible consensus and ensuring the best solution from a technical, social, and environmental perspective." Furthermore, the company has already upgraded the electrical interconnection with France between Hernani and Argia, using "cutting-edge technology, a pioneering method used for the first time in Europe, which avoids the use of large cranes, previously necessary for this type of work."
Additionally, the expansion of existing substations and the creation of new ones are planned. The expansion of the Abanto substation, currently under construction in Bizkaia, aims to improve grid meshing and reinforce supply to local businesses and residential areas. Similarly, the expansion of the Mercedes Benz 220 kV substation, for the automotive industry, has received administrative construction authorization, with work commencing imminently. A STATCOM device has also been installed at the Vitoria 220 kV substation.
New infrastructures include the Luminabaso 220 kV electrical substation in Amorebieta-Etxano (Bizkaia), which "will be fundamental for powering the future railway corridors of the Basque Y." Red Eléctrica noted that this substation "enables, through electricity supply, the development of high-speed train lines that will connect the three Basque capitals." Construction has begun and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027.
Furthermore, a new electrical connection between the Basque Country and Navarre will be promoted, linking the northern axis in Itsaso with the Mediterranean axis, multiplying the capacity for renewable energy transport. This project has received environmental authorization and is in the final phase of processing before construction begins. This action will involve the dismantling of two existing 120-kilometer lines dating from 1920 and 1970.
Corredor affirmed that all of Red Eléctrica's actions in Euskadi aim to "improve the electrical system, guarantee the quality and security of supply." These actions are included in the current Electrical Planning, approved by the central Government after a participatory process involving autonomous communities and sector agents. The draft of the new planning, already presented to the Autonomous Communities, includes actions in 20 existing substations and the creation of four new infrastructures for Euskadi, primarily for industrial decarbonization.
