400 kV power line between Mezquita de Jarque and Teruel authorized

The Directorate General for Energy Policy and Mines, under the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, has authorized Red Eléctrica de España, SAU to construct an overhead electricity transmission line, with a double circuit at 400 kV, between the Mezquita substation and the Platea substation, both in the province of Teruel. The resolution, dated 16 July 2026 and published under number 2026-2432 in the Official Gazette of the Province of Teruel No. 156, of 18 August 2026, likewise declares the specific public utility of the project.

The infrastructure, included in the Electricity Transmission Grid Development Plan 2021-2026, approved by Resolution of the Council of Ministers on 22 March 2022, will connect the Mezquita 400 kV substation, in the municipality of Mezquita de Jarque, with the Platea 400 kV substation, in the municipality of Teruel. The project was requested by Red Eléctrica on 18 May 2022 and has prior administrative authorization granted on 12 January 2023, published in the BOE No. 20, of 24 January 2023.

Technical characteristics of the project

The projected overhead line has the following main specifications:

• Three-phase alternating current system, at a frequency of 50 Hz
• Nominal voltage of 400 kV, with a maximum grid voltage of 420 kV
• Maximum conductor temperature of 85 °C
• Thermal transmission capacity: 2,040 MVA per circuit in summer and 2,470 MVA per circuit in winter
• Two circuits, with three conductors per phase of the Condor AW type
• Total length: 57.864 km (circuit 1) and 57.856 km (circuit 2)
• Supports of lattice steel tower type with individual pad foundations
• Glass insulation

A route of almost 58 km crossing fourteen municipalities

The public information notice was published in the BOE No. 54, of 4 March 2023, and in the BOP of Teruel on 3 March 2023, as well as in the Diario de Teruel on 7 March 2023. The route affects the following municipalities in the province:

• Mezquita de Jarque (origin substation)
• Teruel (destination substation)
• Ababuj
• Aguilar de Alfambra
• Alfambra
• Camarillas
• Celadas
• Cuevas de Almudén
• Cuevas de Labradas
• Escorihuela
• El Pobo
• Hinojosa de Jarque
• Jarque de la Val
• Peralejos

Opposition from Cuevas de Almudén and environmental conditions

The Cuevas de Almudén City Council filed opposition to the project on urban planning grounds, making the authorization conditional on the burial of the installation along the section crossing its municipal area. Red Eléctrica rejected this claim, arguing that the project is included in state planning and that, in accordance with Law 13/2003 of 23 May, the construction of these installations is not subject to municipal licensing.

The Aguilar del Alfambra City Council likewise issued an unfavorable report, although the lack of response from the body to the promoter’s reply meant that its conformity was deemed to have been given in accordance with Royal Decree 1955/2000 of 1 December. The Provincial Environment Service in Teruel of the Government of Aragon noted the potential impact on the notable grove of the Ribera del Chopo Cabecero and urged Red Eléctrica to submit a project modification to minimize the impact, which the company did.

The resolution includes multiple environmental conditions arising from the Environmental Impact Statement issued on 21 December 2011 by the Secretary of State for Climate Change (published in the BOE no. 4, of 5 January 2012), notably including work restrictions between February and July on certain sections to protect steppe fauna, a revegetation and restoration project, and an environmental monitoring program.

Appeal for reconsideration before the Secretary of State for Energy

The resolution, which does not exhaust the administrative route, may be appealed by means of an appeal for reconsideration before the head of the Secretary of State for Energy within one month from notification. The authorization is granted without prejudice to the concessions and authorizations that may be necessary relating to land planning and the environment.

Source: Official Gazette of the Province of Teruel, no. 156, of 18 August 2026, Section I – Official Bodies, p. 2 (official reference: No. 2026-2432, Resolution of 16 July 2026 of the Directorate General for Energy Policy and Mines).