Red Eléctrica, a subsidiary of Redeia responsible for the transmission of electricity and the operation of the national electricity system, today begins the detailed marine geophysical and geotechnical surveys that will provide the necessary information that enable the integration, from the marine environmental aspect, of the future project that seeks to bolster the subsea electricity interconnection between the islands of Majorca and Menorca, currently included in the non-binding part of the 2021-2026 Transmission Grid Planning.

The totality of the marine nearshore and offshore cable-laying works, which are expected to last until May and that are to be conducted in the area between the northern part of the island of Majorca and the west of Menorca, will be carried out by the cable-laying vessel Artabro; a ship sailing under the flag of Spain.

The marine geophysical and geotechnical surveys to be carried out include a detailed characterisation of the seabed, analysis of currents and hydro-sedimentary dynamics, all of which are conditioning factors and risks for the protection of the future link (depth, optimum type of protection, etc.).

Prior to the start of the 2022 summer season, preliminary marine environmental studies were completed in relation to the cable landing points on both islands. These studies enabled an initial environmental characterisation of the areas and that will be used as a basis for the detailed surveys to be carried out shortly. This first marine environmental study encompassed, among other things, water quality surveys, granulometric and chemical characterisation of marine sediments, as well as a mapping of biotic communities in the area. These actions have allowed the different marine biological communities existing in the study area (Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa, coral reefs, cetacean migration routes, sea turtles, etc.) to be identified and catalogued.

The results of all these surveys will make it possible to design the alternatives that warrant the least environmental impact on the marine environment regarding the future subsea electricity link that aims to strengthen the interconnection between the islands of Majorca and Menorca, and at the same time ensure that the link is adequately installed and protected to guarantee the integrity of the infrastructure.

These surveys provide continuity to the efforts being carried out by Red Eléctrica to anticipate the work required so that the infrastructure can become a reality as soon as possible and provided that it is included in a transmission grid planning that is binding in nature.