Spain’s Transmission Grid Planning to fast track renewable integration

The Spanish government has approved the 2021-2026 Electricity Transmission Grid Planning, which will guide the development of the electricity transmission networks. The aim of the planning is to bolster renewables within the country’s power mix.

Actions included in the plan will size and prepare the transmission grid to integrate a higher share of renewable energy generation and make it available to consumers.

With an investment of €7 million ($7.5 million), the plan will provide the groundwork necessary to develop Spain’s infrastructure. The aim is to allow Spain to enjoy high-quality electricity supply while decarbonising its energy model and fighting climate action.

The planning includes making greater use of the existing transmission grid, avoiding environmentally sensitive areas and reducing actions with potentially negative effects on the territory.

The projects included in the planning will contribute to achieving significant efficiencies and savings for the system as a whole, currently estimated at more than €1.6 billion ($1.7 billion) per year.

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Additionally, 13% of all renewable generation is expected to be connected by 2026, which will require new transmission substations.

This will be in line with the pace set by Spain’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP).

The plan comprises a total of 89 initiatives across the system, including integration of new renewables, development and reinforcement of national and the international interconnections with France, Morocco and Andorra, electrification of railways, enhanced support for the distribution networks, improvements in security of supply and the introduction of advanced technologies such as FACTS.

Thanks to the development of this infrastructure, it is estimated that by 2026 renewable energy will reach a share of 67% in the national electricity generation mix.

CO2e emissions are also predicted to be reduced by 66% compared to those recorded in 2019, provided that the full implementation of the Plan is carried out.

Similarly, the projects included in the planning will contribute to achieving significant efficiencies and savings for the system by over €1.6 billion ($1.7 billion).

The drafting of the planning followed a rigorous strategic environmental assessment procedure to ensure it is sustainable and environmentally friendly.