The construction of a new power link across the Strait of Gibraltar has begun in Ceuta in an effort to reduce the use of fossil fuels and supply renewable energy to their community. It is anticipated that this infrastructure would improve energy security and serve as a point of reference for other regions that are interested in adopting sustainable practices.
(Photo : Pexels/Sam Forson )
Construction of Ceuta's New Power Link
On Tuesday, Jun 11, the Spanish network administrator Red Electrica de Espana (REE) announced that the building of a power link that will cover 58 kilometers (36 miles) between the city of Ceuta in North Africa and the mainland portion of Spain has begun.
By connecting to the mainland infrastructure, Ceuta will be able to utilize renewable energy sources produced on the Spanish peninsula. A more effective power system in Ceuta is anticipated to be created as a result of the project. According to REE, consumers will see decreased monthly electricity rates as a result of the transition from the city's expensive thermal power to the relatively inexpensive electricity from the mainland.
In the year 2025, it is anticipated that the cables, substations, and transformers that are associated with this project will be put into operation. The contract to build, supply, and install the 132-kV double-circuit cable that will span the Strait of Gibraltar between Ceuta and the coast of Andalusia has been given to Prysmian SpA (BIT: PRY). This Italian company specializes in the provision of cabling solutions. At a depth of up to 900 meters or 2,953 feet, the cable will reportedly traverse the seabed. Both ends of the connection have simultaneously commenced construction on their respective structures.
Accordingly, the initiative is essential for the city of Ceuta to transition from fossil fuels, which presently serve as its electricity source. REE anticipates that the Peninsula-Ceuta interconnection will incorporate 473 MWh more renewable power annually, with expected construction expenses of approximately EUR 221 million or $238.5 million.
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Sustainability Goals of Spain
With a particular emphasis on the expansion of solar and wind power generation, Spain has set highly ambitious objectives for its transition to renewable energy. By the year 2030, the objective is to raise the proportion of solar power from its current level of eight percent to twenty-two percent of total electricity production. The proportion of wind power is ALSO expected to climb from slightly more than twenty percent in the year 2020 to thirty-one percent in the year 2030. Therefore, by that year, solar and wind power will account for over half of Spain's electricity production.
Furthermore, increasing the existing capacity of energy storage, which is 8.3 GW, to 20 GW in 2030 and 30 GW in 2050 is the goal of a focused plan that has been created by the Spanish government for energy storage. This goal is being worked toward by the government, which is supporting new projects, encouraging the creation of 'green hydrogen,' and developing green technology to help start new companies.
On the other hand, based on the data released by the REE, more and more renewable energy is being used to make power in Spain. After a contribution of 42% in 2022 from wind power and photovoltaic solar energy, it is anticipated that renewable energy will account for more than fifty percent of the annual electricity production in Spain by the year 2023.
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