Red Eléctrica, Redeia’s subsidiary responsible for the transmission and operation of the national electricity system, has initiated the construction of the new Condado 220kV sub-station in La Palma del Condado (Huelva). This infrastructure is intended to power the new high-speed rail axis connecting Seville with Huelva’s provincial capital.

Initial groundwork and foundation laying began last December after Red Eléctrica obtained the environmental permit required to work at ground level.

The new sub-station, which represents an investment of €6.5 million, will feature a double busbar configuration with five operational bays and two additional backup bays. Additionally, the project includes the development of an overhead double-circuit line to connect the sub-station to the grid via the Colón-Santiponce axis.

Work began after the project obtained the Administrative Authorisation for Construction and the Declaration of Public Utility from the Andalusian Regional Government (Junta de Andalucía). This followed completion of the environmental review process to ensure the sub-station integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.

With this initiative, Red Eléctrica promotes the development of strategic infrastructure essential for the economic and social progress of the Huelva province. In addition, it integrates the region into the Iberian high-speed rail network, addresses a long-standing demand from all social and business stakeholders in Huelva, and strengthens its strategic position as a logistics hub connecting southern Spain, Portugal, and the rest of the peninsula.

All these initiatives are part of the infrastructure outlined in the current Electrical Planning, approved by the government and binding for Red Eléctrica.

Red Eléctrica boosts Huelva’s industry with new projects

Alongside these infrastructures, Red Eléctrica is working to strengthen the electricity grid in the province as outlined in the current planning, with the aim of supporting Huelva’s industrial development. A clear example of this is the recent completion of the expansion of the Puebla de Guzmán sub-station, which is part of the new Costa de la Luz-Puebla de Guzmán axis, currently pending approval. Red Eléctrica has earmarked €21 million for this project. This axis will secure the electricity supply for new mining and industrial projects in the Pyrite Belt and strengthen supply security along the western coast.

It is the most critical project for economic and industrial development in the 2021-2026 Planning for the province of Huelva and one of the most significant in Andalusia. For this reason, Red Eléctrica is working with the Andalusian Regional Government to expedite the approval process and implement the infrastructure as quickly as possible. The project is currently in the process of obtaining the Integrated Environmental Authorisation.

Red Eléctrica is thus fulfilling its commitment to the people of Huelva by strengthening the transmission grid, ensuring a reliable, high-quality electricity supply to encourage investment and develop new infrastructures.