More than 3,000 artefacts of great archaeological value have been on display since Monday at the Argaric Culture Interpretation Centre (CICA) in Antas (Almería). The inaugural event was attended by Jorge Jiménez Luna, Redeia’s delegate in Andalucía, alongside other authorities.

This is the largest known collection from the Argaric culture, one of the most emblematic in southern Europe during the Bronze Age. The exhibition will make Antas a benchmark for the study and dissemination of this culture, making it an attractive location for national and international researchers and archaeologists.

The acquisition was made possible through Red Eléctrica’s commitment to Antas, its subsidiary responsible for the transmission and operation of Spain’s electrical system. As part of its Comprehensive Impact Strategy aimed at maximising its influence in the region, the company signed a collaboration agreement with Antas Town Council to acquire the collection from the Fernando López Segura Archaeological Fund. This collection has now become the main attraction of the new museum centre.

The mayor of Antas, Pedro Ridao, thanked Red Eléctrica for this contribution, stating that “with this strong commitment to culture and tourism, Antas is looking to the future without forgetting its past, proudly asserting its identity and opening its doors to the world to showcase the richness of its heritage. Today will mark a turning point in the history of the municipality: the heart of El Argar beats again in Antas.”

For his part, Jorge Jiménez, the delegate of Red Eléctrica in Andalucía, highlights that “this collaboration is part of the company's policy and its Comprehensive Impact Strategy, which aims to add value to the territory where we operate. It also reflects our commitment to environmental and social sustainability, and to promoting culture in the municipalities where our facilities are located.”

For the project’s supporters, the CICA will help raise the profile of the Levante Almeriense within national and international cultural and academic circles, as it will attract researchers, archaeologists, and visitors from many places.

Red Eléctrica’s contribution to the creation of the CICA is part of the broader project to construct an electrical substation in the area. This substation aims to enhance the quality and security of the supply in eastern Andalucía and address the long-standing shortcomings of electrical infrastructure in the northern part of the province, as it will also supply power to the high-speed line between Almería and Murcia. This development promotes equal opportunities, territorial cohesion, and social justice throughout the region, while also attracting new investments and stimulating economic growth.  

The substation, included in the current Electricity Grid Plan, is expected to be built by the end of this summer, and it is scheduled to be commissioned around October.