The Chairwoman of Redeia – Red Eléctrica's parent company – Beatriz Corredor, and the Lehendakari (President of the Basque Government), Imanol Pradales, held a meeting today in Vitoria-Gasteiz to analyse the status of the investments and projects that Red Eléctrica is carrying out in Euskadi. These involve a set of essential infrastructures, included in the current Electricity Planning, which aim to continue reinforcing the electricity transmission grid of the Comunidad Autónoma del País Vasco (CAPV), thus facilitating industrial decarbonisation, economic and social development, and job creation.

At the meeting, Corredor and Pradales agreed to accelerate projects that will transform the territory's energy model.

Among Red Eléctrica's main projects in Euskadi, the underground and submarine electricity interconnection with France through the Bay of Biscay stands out, currently under construction and with all works on its terrestrial section already underway. 

The project has been declared a Project 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. Its design was developed through an open and participatory process, with the aim of reaching the broadest possible consensus and ensuring the optimal solution from a technical, social, and environmental perspective.

Furthermore, Red Eléctrica has already completed the repowering of the electricity interconnection with France between Hernani and Argia using cutting-edge technology, a pioneering method used for the first time in Europe that avoids the use of large cranes, which were required until now to carry out this type of work. Thus, Red Eléctrica and its French counterpart, RTE, have increased the transmission capacity from 1,600 MVA to 2,100 MVA without the need to build new infrastructures.

Furthermore, the expansion of existing substations and the creation of new ones also stand out. Regarding the expansion of substations, the Abanto substation, currently under construction in Bizkaia, stands out for improving the grid meshing and implementing a new bay to reinforce the supply to surrounding companies, by supporting the distribution network, such as those in the Abanto-Zierbena Technology Park, as well as residential areas in the vicinity. Also notable is the expansion of the Mercedes Benz 220 kV substation, to reinforce the supply to the automotive industry and contribute to its continuous electrification. It has already received the Administrative Authorisation for Construction, and the start of works is imminent. On another note, Red Eléctrica has also installed and commissioned a STATCOM device at the Vitoria 220 kV substation.

Regarding the construction of new infrastructures, the Luminabaso 220 kV electrical substation in Amorebieta-Etxano (Bizkaia) will be fundamental for powering the future railway corridors of the Basque Y. With this project, Red Eléctrica will provide the necessary power supply for the high-speed rail lines connecting the three Basque capitals. Additionally, the Luminabaso substation will reinforce the grid and improve its interconnection, which may facilitate future energy-intensive projects. The works have already begun, and it is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027.

Likewise, a new electricity connection between País Vasco and Navarra will be promoted, which will connect the northern axis in Itsaso with the Mediterranean axis, multiplying the transmission capacity for renewable energy. It has already received environmental authorisation and is in the final phase of processing, prior to the start of works. Furthermore, this action entails the dismantling of two existing lines spanning 120 km in length with independent routes dating back to 1920 and 1970.

All the actions Red Eléctrica is carrying out in Euskadi aim to improve the electricity system, ensuring the quality and safety of the supply. Thus, through its investments, the company drives industrial development as a catalyst for the economy. It should be recalled that these actions are included in the current Electricity Planning, and its successive modifications, approved by the central Government following a process involving the autonomous communities and sector agents. 

The Ministry is currently working on the draft of the new planning, which has already been presented to the Autonomous Communities (CCAA) and includes actions in 20 existing substations in Euskadi, as well as the creation of four new infrastructures, primarily for the decarbonisation of industry. Now that the public information period has concluded, it is currently in the study phase of the allegations received.