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Mainland-Balearic Islands link
Mainland-Balearic Islands link
The first direct current submarine transmission interconnection in Spain.
A vital project for the Balearic Islands
Since its implementation in August 2012, the electrical interconnection between the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands has marked a turning point in the archipelago's electrical system.
A fundamental project that has provided the islands with unprecedented quality and reliability of supply. The solution to the isolation of a unique system and that has allowed its connection to the Iberian electrical system.
Planning 21-26 includes the second link between the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands that will more than double the benefits provided by the first link.
Project benefits
Quality of supply
The link has proved its essential character with an average coverage of around a quarter of the overall demand of the Balearic system. Today it is a key part of the system that has more than achieved the initially envisaged objectives in terms of quality and security of supply and cost reduction for the system.
Reduction of emissions
The link allows the Balearic Islands to integrate an important renewable quota from the mainland and to displace fossil-fuel generation from its thermal power stations. This means an average reduction in emissions from electricity generation of 500,000 tonnes of CO2.
Efficiency of the system
Thanks to the Mainland-Balearic Islands interconnection, we have achieved a more efficient electricity system, capable of harnessing the most economical energy available at all times. This translates into significant savings for the system that are passed on to consumers.
Outstanding numbers
1.485
m
Depth
237
km
Length
420
M€
Investment
400
MW
Transmission capacity
± 250
kV
Voltage level
250 kV Voltage level A world-leading project
This very high voltage submarine connection has been a major milestone and represents a worldwide benchmark.
The submarine section
Consisting of three cables (one return cable) 237 km long, using direct current technology given the distances and power required for this link. It is the first in our history.
The technology is capable of withstanding extreme conditions at depths of up to 1,485 metres.
The converter stations
The infrastructure has two converter stations: Morvedre 400 kV, in Sagunto (Valencia), and Santa Ponsa 220 kV, in Calviá (Mallorca), both of which are necessary to transform alternating current, which circulates through the transmission grid, into direct current and vice versa.
The land route
We have built underground sections of just over 3 km at each end to connect to the converter stations, reducing the visual and environmental impact and ensuring the greatest protection for birdlife.
With the utmost respect for the environment
Respect for the environment and preservation of our surroundings is a priority in all our projects. That is why we have carried out geological, orographic and biological studies that guarantee a project that respects the environment and the social uses of the surroundings.
In this way we have managed to avoid archaeological sites and fish farms and have minimised the impact on protected flora and fauna, as well as the effect on fishing and the tourist sector.
The routing of the cables and their protection system have been specially chosen to protect the Posidonia oceanica meadows, a plant species endemic to the Mediterranean and protected at European level, in order to ensure their conservation.
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