Red Eléctrica, a subsidiary of Redeia responsible for the operation and transmission of the electrical system in Spain, has started the detailed geophysical and geotechnical studies that will provide the necessary information to integrate the environmental marine aspect from its origin in the future reinforcement project of the submarine electrical interconnection between the islands of Mallorca and Menorca, currently included in the non-binding part of the 2021-2026 Planning.
The works will be carried out by the Spanish-flagged ship Artabro, in the entire nearshore and offshore marine area between the north of the island of Mallorca, where they will start, and the west of Menorca, and it is expected that they will last until the month of May.
The studies to be carried out include a detailed characterisation of the seabed, analysis of currents and hydro-sedimentary dynamics, conditions and risks for the protection of the future link (depth, type of optimal protection, etc.).
Prior to the start of the 2022 summer season, the preliminary marine environmental campaigns have already been completed on both sides, which have allowed a first environmental characterisation and serve as the basis for the detailed studies that will now be carried out. In this first marine environmental campaign, studies on water quality and granulometric and chemical characterisation of marine sediments, or biocoenosis studies, have already been carried out, which have identified and located the different marine biological communities existing in the area. study (Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa, coral reefs, cetacean migration routes, sea turtles, etc.).
The result of all these studies will make it possible to design the alternatives with the least environmental impact in the marine environment for the future reinforcement of the underwater electrical interconnection between the islands of Mallorca and Menorca, also guaranteeing adequate installation, protection and integrity of the infrastructure.
These studies give continuity to the work of anticipation that Red Eléctrica is carrying out so that the infrastructure can be a reality as soon as possible and provided that it is included in a binding electrical planning.
