Red Eléctrica—Redeia’s subsidiary responsible for the system operation and electricity transmission in Spain—has commissioned the new Fontefría 400/220 kV sub-station. This critical infrastructure is part of the Galicia-Northern Portugal interconnection.

The company has allocated €21 million to the construction of the Fontefría sub-station. The project was completed in less than 18 months while coordinating with local authorities to minimise disruption to the residents' routine use of the area. The Fontefría sub-station is part of the Northern Portugal Interconnection project, which Red Eléctrica is executing after obtaining all necessary permits to ensure proper social and environmental integration.

This new connection with the neighbouring country has been designated a Project of Common Interest by the European Commission. It is also included in the current electrical planning approved by the Spanish Council of Ministers. Upon completion, the interconnection will increase exchange capacity by approximately 1,000 MW, bringing the total to 4,200 MW of exchange capacity from Spain to Portugal and 3,500 MW from Portugal to Spain. Furthermore, it will facilitate the integration of renewable energies, enhancing the reliability and security of supply on both sides of the border while contributing to a more efficient and sustainable system. It is estimated that the interconnection will result in an annual reduction of 64,000 tCO₂ emissions.

In addition to the newly commissioned sub-station, the interconnection project also includes the new Beariz 400 kV sub-station (connected to the Cartelle-Mesón do Vento 2 line at 400 kV), the Beariz-Fontefría 400 kV double-circuit line, and the new Fontefría 400 kV connection to the Portuguese border. These infrastructures will also serve as a future power supply point for traction sub-stations along the Vigo–Ourense–Lugo–A Coruña railway corridor.