New 400 kV electrical line Teruel 2026: what it means for landowners and municipalities

Key data

Landowners of properties in the route between Mezquita de Jarque and Teruel and the municipalities in the area have faced a new reality since August 7, 2026: the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines has granted Red Eléctrica de España, SAU administrative construction authorization and has declared the public utility of the installation.

The resolution, published in the BOE of August 7, 2026 (BOE-A-2026-17272), immediately activates the legal effects of the public utility declaration, which includes the possibility of initiating procedures for occupation of private land.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution grants two simultaneous authorizations to Red Eléctrica de España:

• Administrative construction authorization: permission to physically execute the double-circuit overhead line at 400 kV between the Mezquita 400 kV substation (municipality of Mezquita de Jarque) and the Platea 400 kV substation (Teruel).
• Declaration of public utility: legal authorization that allows Red Eléctrica to occupy private land through forced easement or expropriation, regardless of opposition from landowners or municipalities.

A relevant element: the resolution expressly establishes that no municipal license or local preventive control act is required to begin construction. Several municipalities showed opposition or imposed conditions, but the declaration of public utility prevails over municipal planning objections.

To reduce environmental impact, an addendum to the original project was incorporated to minimize effects on the singular tree grove of the Ribera del Chopo Cabecero. The installation has a favorable environmental impact declaration.

Construction must comply with the conditions imposed by the following bodies:

Economic and operational impact

For landowners in the route, the declaration of public utility means that Red Eléctrica can initiate the procedure for imposing a right of way easement or forced expropriation. The owner has the right to compensation, but cannot block the project.

For affected municipalities, the resolution closes the avenue for planning objections. Municipalities that had conditioned or rejected the project cannot prevent the execution of works through licenses or local planning instruments. Their scope of action is limited to supervising compliance with applicable technical conditions in their municipal area.

For the energy sector and industrial companies in the area, the new infrastructure strengthens electrical transport capacity in Teruel province, which can translate into greater supply security and capacity to connect new renewable generation facilities to the system.

Who does it affect?

• Red Eléctrica de España, SAU: promoter and responsible for execution, must comply with all conditions imposed by INAGA, ADIF and the General Directorate of Roads of Aragón.
• Landowners in the route: exposed to forced easement or expropriation procedures along the 57.8 km route in Teruel province.
• Affected municipalities in Teruel: those that showed opposition or conditions lose the ability to block the work through local planning instruments.
• Companies with activity in the Ribera del Chopo Cabecero: the addendum to the project introduces specific restrictions to protect this singular tree grove, which may affect agricultural or forestry activities in the area.
• Renewable energy promoters in Teruel: the new line expands electrical evacuation capacity in the area, opening opportunities for connection of new generation projects.

Practical example

A farmer with properties in the municipality of Mezquita de Jarque whose land falls within the 57.8 km line route receives a notification from Red Eléctrica de España initiating the right of way easement procedure.

Since the resolution of August 7, 2026 has already declared the public utility of the installation, the owner cannot oppose the occupation of the land, but does have the right to:

• Participate in the valuation procedure to set the corresponding compensation.
• Challenge the valuation if they consider it does not reflect the real value of the affected land.
• Require that the execution of works respects the environmental conditions imposed by INAGA, especially regarding protection of the Ribera del Chopo Cabecero if their property is in that area.

A municipality that had conditioned the project in its municipal area, for its part, cannot deny a construction license or impose planning obstacles: the declaration of public utility exempts Red Eléctrica from obtaining municipal license or local preventive control act.

What should companies do now?

1. Landowners: verify if their properties are included in the 57.8 km route and, if so, contact a lawyer specializing in expropriations to prepare the defense of their interests in the valuation procedure.
2. Affected municipalities: review the technical conditions that apply in their municipal area (INAGA, ADIF, Roads of Aragón) and establish monitoring mechanisms for compliance during work execution.
3. Companies with activity in the Ribera del Chopo Cabecero: consult the addendum to the project to learn about specific restrictions affecting this area and evaluate the impact on their activities.
4. Renewable promoters in Teruel: analyze the new evacuation capacities that the Platea 400 kV substation in Teruel will provide and evaluate if it opens opportunities to connect new generation projects.
5. Any affected party: consult the complete resolution in the BOE (BOE-A-2026-17272) to learn about the details of the conditions and applicable deadlines.

Official source

Consult complete regulation at official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-17272