The Cabildo of Fuerteventura held a meeting today with representatives from Red Eléctrica to discuss the roadmap for dismantling the old 66kV power line and to convey this information to local councils. The dismantling of the line from Corralejo (north) to Matas Blancas (south of the island) by Red Eléctrica will take place once the new double circuit 132 kV axis is operational and the necessary administrative permissions for the removal of the old line are obtained.
Dismantling Plan Announced
To prepare for the dismantling, which is being conducted in accordance with the Environmental Impact Declaration of the 132 kV axis, Red Eléctrica is working closely with the Cabildo of Fuerteventura. Meetings have been held with the mayors of the municipalities through which the route passes to explain the procedure. Additionally, Red Eléctrica will jointly inform landowners along with the Cabildo and other administrations.
Commitment to Infrastructure Removal
The island’s president, Lola García, stated, “As soon as we took office, our local government requested that the 66kV line be removed.”
For this reason, “we have had several meetings with Red Eléctrica, and what we are now asking for is a clear roadmap to share with all local administrations, ensuring that this overhead power line that runs throughout the island and impacts the territory and landscape is removed once and for all,” García emphasised.
Environmental Considerations
Nereida Calero, the councillor for Planning, highlighted, “It is important to ensure that the dismantling is conducted with the utmost respect for the environment and that all installed infrastructure is removed.” The meeting also included the mayor of Tuineje, Candelaria Umpiérrez, and councillors José Díaz from Pájara and Ana Hernández from Puerto del Rosario.
Daniel Pérez Varela, director of Infrastructure at Red Eléctrica in the Canary Islands, noted that “a total of 352 supports will be dismantled between Corralejo and Matas Blancas, located in various areas of the municipalities of La Oliva, Puerto del Rosario, Antigua, Tuineje, and Pájara. The work will be carried out in accordance with the environmental conditions present in the area and the planned preventive and corrective measures, including the removal of all infrastructure and restoration of the land to its original state.”
Timeline for Dismantling
According to Red Eléctrica, the aim is to commence the works next year, with the development of tasks already underway to begin as soon as all necessary preliminary procedures have been completed. The works will not affect electricity supply, which is assured through the new 132 kV axis.
Details of the Dismantling Process
The dismantling will involve the removal of the 352 supports and their conductors, loosening and taking down the conductors and earth wires, dismantling the structures, collecting the conductors, earth cables, and insulator chains, destroying the foundations, removing surplus civil works materials, and, where applicable, taking away the bases of the old supports.
Cabildo and Red Eléctrica finalise the dismantling of the 66kV line between Corralejo and Matas Blancas
