Red Eléctrica, the Redeia subsidiary responsible for electricity transmission and system operation in Spain, held a workshop with officers from the Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) of the Civil Guard. The session focused on high-voltage power lines, system operation, and the protective measures implemented on power lines of the transmission grid to prevent bird collisions.

The aim of the workshop was to help officers gain a deeper understanding of electricity transmission facilities, including how to identify them and their components, as well as the potential risks involved. This included the preventive and corrective measures to be taken when operating in or near this infrastructure in the event of a wildfire.   
The information provided is vital for officers, both for improving their situational awareness during active wildfires near power lines, and for assisting the Civil Guard in the event of a possible investigation into forest fires. 

The session also covered communication and action protocols in the event of a fire. These are established under the agreement between Red Eléctrica and the Government of the Balearic Islands and outline the procedures to follow when the transmission lines must be de-energised due to a fire.

The workshop also addressed how birds interact with power lines, as they sometimes use structural elements of the infrastructure for perching, observation, or nesting. Red Eléctrica explained the applicable regulations, as well as the marking measures – known as bird diverters – that have been installed on the high-voltage transmission grid to prevent bird collisions. 

Bird diverters increase the visibility of power line cables, improving detection by birds and thereby reducing risks. While spiral-type devices are the most common, Red Eléctrica has introduced new developments tailored to the specific needs of different spans. These include reflective blade devices, designed for higher visibility in areas with crepuscular bird activity, as well as FireFly devices, which can be installed using drones in hard-to-reach areas. 

Currently, 100% of Red Eléctrica’s power lines located in areas considered especially sensitive in Mallorca are already fitted with bird diverters. During the workshop, SEPRONA was briefed on the particularly sensitive areas in Mallorca, identified as part of the flight corridors defined by Red Eléctrica across Spain.