Red Eléctrica, Redeia’s subsidiary responsible for electricity system operation and transmission, and the Council of Antas (Almería) signed a collaboration agreement this Tuesday to facilitate the acquisition of a private archaeological collection. This holding comprises more than 3,000 pieces from various historical periods, which will now be made available to the municipality and its residents.
The collection—known as the Fernando López Segura Archaeological Collection—features an exceptional set of Argaric items, along with Iberian ceramics, Roman glassware, prehistoric idols and ancient coins. Thanks to this agreement, the collection will go on public display in May at the El Argar Culture Interpretation Centre (CICA). 

The agreement was signed by Antas Mayor Pedro Ridao and Redeia’s Regional Delegate in Andalusia, Jorge Jiménez. ‘With the signing of this agreement, Antas is experiencing a historic moment. The creation of this centre will restore our town’s rightful place in the history of the south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. This will be done with an invaluable archaeological collection—historic items that are now returning home. On behalf of the Council, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Redeia and Red Eléctrica for their sensitivity and commitment in making this dream a reality,’ said Mayor Ridao.

Redeia’s Regional Delegate emphasised that supporting this acquisition reflects the company’s deep commitment to sustainability and cultural support in the regions where it operates as part of its Comprehensive Impact Strategy to deliver added value to its host communities.

Driving economic development

This initiative is directly linked to the project currently underway by Red Eléctrica to commission a new electrical substation in the town—an installation that will enhance the quality and reliability of electricity supply in this part of Eastern Andalusia and address the region’s long-standing infrastructure deficit. It is expected to attract new investment and stimulate local economic activity.

The new substation will complete the Caparacena–Baza–Antas transmission corridor and support the electrification of the Murcia–Almería high-speed line. It will also help integrate the region’s abundant renewable energy resources, making a decisive contribution to achieving Spain’s ecological transition targets.

Scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, the Antas substation is part of the current national Electricity Transmission Grid Planning, approved by the Spanish Government and binding for Red Eléctrica. This plan allocates the highest investment in the Peninsula to Andalusia.

‘With this firm commitment to culture and tourism—part of Red Eléctrica’s wider mission—Antas is looking to the future without losing sight of its past. It proudly embraces its identity and welcomes the world to discover the richness of its heritage. May will mark a turning point in the history of our town: the heart of El Argar is beating once again in Antas,’ said Ridao.

Researchers, archaeologists, and visitors from all over Spain and beyond will flock to the CICA as a major cultural attraction. ‘Our ancestors would be proud to see their legacy become a driving force for the development of our land,’ added the Mayor. ‘Antas—once the capital of the south-eastern Iberian Peninsula for seven centuries—is on the verge of regaining its historical splendour and is becoming a must-visit destination for history and archaeology enthusiasts,’ he concluded.