Jorge Azcón, president of the regional Government of Aragon, and Beatriz Corredor, chairwoman of Redeia, parent company of Red Eléctrica, held a meeting at the company’s headquarters in Madrid to discuss new electricity transmission infrastructures, which are expected to play a strategic role for the region of Aragon. During the meeting, they also reviewed planned investments under the Aragon Planning Framework, which total approximately €400 million through 2026.

The meeting was preceded by a visit to the Electricity Control Centre (Cecoel), the hub where Red Eléctrica operates the Spanish national electricity system and works to maximise integration of renewable energies. Also present at the event was Mar Vaquero, vice president of the Aragon regional government and regional minister of Economy, Employment, and Industry.

Construction of the new Calatorao sub-station begins 

Among the projects presented, the 220 kV Calatorao sub-station in Zaragoza stands out as one of the key facilities for Aragon’s ongoing industrial expansion. More specifically, it will enable a large-scale industrial consumer in the technology sector to connect to the transmission grid. Construction is set to begin in the coming days and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The project represents an €8 million investment and covers both the sub-station itself and its connection to the 220 kV Jalón-Los Vientos line. 

This sub-station is part of a broader plan by Red Eléctrica to expand infrastructure in Aragon, which includes projects outlined in the 2021–2026 Electrical Planning Framework, as well as the modifications of specific aspects approved last year. All of these initiatives aim to support new industrial and business projects, address the growing electricity demand driven by digitalisation and electrification, and advance the ecological transition by integrating energy from renewable sources, which play a key role in Aragon’s energy mix.

In line with this goal of accelerating Aragon’s economic and industrial growth, other notable projects include the recently expanded 220 kV Espartal sub-station in El Burgo de Ebro (Zaragoza), the newly completed 400 kV Almendrales sub-station in the same province, and the planned PLAZA II sub-station near Zaragoza’s metropolitan area. 

Additionally, the planning includes the expansion of several existing sub-stations across Aragon’s three provinces by installing new consumption bays and reinforcements. These include the Villanueva de Gállego 220 kV, Montetorrero 220 kV, Ave Zaragoza 220 kV, Peñaflor 400 and 220 kV, Cartujos 220 kV, Esquedas 220 kV, and Mudéjar 400 kV lines. These projects build on around 15 previously completed sub-station expansions. 

Meanwhile, progress continues on new transmission axes designed to further strengthen, interconnect, and increase the reliability of the transmission grid. Key projects include the Mezquita-Platea, Platea-Requena, Peñalba-Mangraners, Escatrón-Els Aubals-La Secuita, and Magallón-La Serna lines, which will improve Aragon’s connections with the Valencian Community, Catalonia, and Navarre. 

Over €1.7 million in positive impact

At today’s meeting, President Azcón and Redeia’s Chairwoman agreed on the importance of advancing these projects with a focus on social consensus, respect for the environment, and local value creation to improve citizens’ quality of life. 

This approach aligns with Redeia’s Comprehensive Impact Strategy, which aims to generate positive outcomes in the regions where it operates. In Aragon, this strategy is being implemented through various agreements with local governments and organisations. Notable ongoing initiatives include projects for natural habitat conservation and the protection of endangered species such as the bearded vulture, efforts to promote energy efficiency, and programmes focused on social welfare and education, among others. Together, these initiatives represent a total investment of over €1.7 million.