Grid planning and development

In May 2008, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism passed the 2008-2116 planning document for the gas and electricity sectors, the purpose of which is to ensure the safety and quality of the energy supply. This planning was revised in November 2010, and new facilities have been included and others, which are foreseen to be contemplated in the new 2012-2020 Planning, have been postponed.

Red Eléctrica will invest 4 billion euros in the transmission grid during the 2011-2015 period.

The most outstanding developments will be oriented mainly to the structural strengthening of the transmission grid, improving the meshing of grid nodes and creating new transmission hubs. The initial proposal for the transmission grid development 2012-2020 also includes a specific chapter regarding demand management measures which would be necessary to implement in aforementioned horizon with the aim of achieving a more efficient electricity system. These measures encompass promoting energy storage and industrial demand management, the satisfactory integration of the electric vehicle, as well as raising society's awareness regarding the efficient use of energy.

Grid development

Red Eléctrica is carrying out investments aimed at reinforcing the grid mesh in order to cover increases in demand in some areas of the mainland and to facilitate the establishment of the new generation installed, mainly wind-power plants and, to an ever increasing extent, solar power towers. Red Eléctrica's investment programme also includes providing support for the high-speed train power feed, the mainland - Balearic Islands link and reinforcing of the international links with France and Portugal. During 2010, with these activities, which have signified a record investment of 865 million euros, a total of 839 km of circuit of new line and 164 new busbars in substations have been commissioned. In addition, the transmission capacity has been increased by means of 336 km of new line.

Most relevant activities carried out during 2010:

The development of the transmission grid in the north-western part of the country and advancing with the interconnection works with France.
The strengthening of the transmission grid in the country's northern basin.
The connection of the north-eastern zone of the peninsula with the central zone, in order to facilitate the evacuation of the wind power generation from Galicia, as well as to improve the connection with Asturias.
The development of the electricity transmission hub in the region of La Mancha (Spain), which will strengthen the connection between Levante and the central zone.
The advancement of the electricity interconnection works between the Spanish peninsula and the Balearic Islands.