This Thursday, Red Eléctrica, the Redeia subsidiary responsible for the transmission and operation of Spain’s electricity system, and the regional Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Environment of the Government of the Balearic Islands renewed their collaboration in forest fire prevention and response, an area they have been cooperating on since 2013.

The signing of the agreement took place on Thursday at the Ministry’s headquarters during a ceremony attended by regional minister Joan Simonet, alongside Anna Torres, the Director-General of Natural Environment and Forest Management, and other forest management officials. Representing Red Eléctrica were Ángel Mahou, General Director of Transmission, Juan Bola, Head of Real-Time System Operation, and Redeia’s manager in the Balearic Islands, Eduardo Maynau.

Under this agreement, which is valid for four years with the possibility of extension, Red Eléctrica will contribute €26,000 annually to support various initiatives. The renewal of the agreement builds on the close and successful partnership that started 12 years ago between Red Eléctrica and the regional Government of the Balearic Islands. It translates into joint efforts for forest fire prevention and response, as well as training and awareness programmes focused on fire prevention and the environmental protection and restoration of forested areas.

Several projects have been carried out as a result of this collaboration, including the creation of firebreaks in two forested areas near residential developments in Cala Deià and another in Port de Valldemossa; an educational initiative that allowed schoolchildren to visit the Sa Duaia forest (previously affected by an unrelated fire and later restored with the support of Red Eléctrica); the printing and translation of the book Conviure amb els incendis forestals (‘Living with Forest fires’); and a pilot project developed by Red Eléctrica, in collaboration with Pyro and Elewit, to test a new satellite-based fire prevention and detection system. This system involves installing sensors in the S’Albufera park to monitor parameters that indicate the presence and progression of wildfires, with the added goal of eradicating an invasive species. 

This renewed collaboration underscores the need for information and resource sharing between the regional Government of the Balearic Islands and Red Eléctrica to improve efficiency in wildfire prevention, particularly in areas where electrical infrastructure is present. 

To this end, the agreement establishes clear protocols for mutual information exchange and defines systematic actions for both prevention and emergency response. In the event of a fire near electrical facilities, these measures will help ensure an effective response while prioritising the safety of personnel. 

Fire prevention training, awareness, and outreach initiatives.

The renewed agreement also ensures the continuation of Red Eléctrica’s training programmes on power lines and wildfires, specifically aimed at Environmental officers and technical staff from the regional Ministry. 

Additionally, it includes the creation of development, innovation, awareness-raising, and outreach projects, initiatives, or campaigns focused on wildfire prevention and response and targeted at both the general public and specific sectors. For example, under previous agreements, Red Eléctrica partnered with car rental companies on a campaign to raise awareness among customers about risky behaviours that could lead to wildfires.

This agreement is part of Red Eléctrica’s commitment to sustainability by creating shared value for all stakeholders through responsible business practices, in line with its 2030 sustainability Commitment and the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy of its parent company, Redeia.

When it comes to wildfires, Red Eléctrica’s strategy is based on awareness, prevention, training, and collaboration with public authorities—not only to prevent fires from occurring but also to ensure we have the necessary knowledge to implement a rapid response if required.