Closure of 220 kV Itxaso-Orcoyen Power Lines: What It Means for the Energy Sector in 2026

Key data

Two high-voltage lines that have structured electrical transport between the Basque Country and Navarra for decades are ceasing operations. The Resolution of July 6, 2026 from the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines authorizes Red Eléctrica de España, SAU, to close and dismantle the overhead lines Itxaso-Orcoyen 1 and 2, both at 220 kV in single circuit. This decision is not an infrastructure cut: it is the necessary prior step to build a higher-capacity interconnection that will modernize the energy corridor between both communities.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution grants Red Eléctrica de España the closure authorization for the two overhead electrical transport lines at 220 kV single circuit that connect the Itxaso (Gipuzkoa) and Orcoyen (Navarra) substations. This is an action included in the Transmission Network Development Plan, the planning instrument that regulates investments in the Spanish electrical network.

The most relevant technical and operational aspects of the resolution are as follows:

The dismantling is partial and controlled: sections of the lines that share routing with other facilities in service are preserved to avoid interrupting electrical supply at any time. Red Eléctrica must also comply with all environmental conditions established in the Environmental Impact Statement, including restoration and reforestation measures for soils affected by tower dismantling and line removal.

Economic and operational impact

For Red Eléctrica de España, this resolution marks the formal start of dismantling work on more than 120 km of high-voltage lines (57.95 + 62.77 km). The operation entails direct costs for tower dismantling, conductor removal, and environmental restoration of affected soils, although the resolution does not detail specific economic amounts.

From the perspective of the electrical system, the impact is positive in the medium term: the new 400 kV double circuit line between Itxaso and Castejón/Muruarte will double the voltage compared to current lines (from 220 kV to 400 kV) and move from single to double circuit, which will multiply energy transport capacity between the Basque Country and Navarra. This has direct implications for:

• The integration of renewable energy in both communities, especially Navarrese wind power.
• Supply security in the northern corridor of the Peninsula.
• The reduction of technical restrictions in the transmission network, which generate system costs.

The project has completed the consultation process with multiple administrations, organizations, and entities, indicating that the institutional coordination process is complete and there are no pending administrative obstacles.

Who is affected?

• Red Eléctrica de España, SAU: owner of the lines and responsible for executing the closure, partial dismantling, and environmental restoration measures.
• Administration of the Foral Community of Navarra: affected by the line routing and the future 400 kV infrastructure project.
• Foral Deputation of Gipuzkoa and Basque regional administration: affected by the routing in Gipuzkoa province and the Itxaso substation.
• Municipalities along the routing: local councils through whose territories the lines run must coordinate with Red Eléctrica for dismantling and restoration work.
• Construction and electrical infrastructure maintenance companies: potential contractors for dismantling work and future construction of the 400 kV line.
• Electrical operators and retailers: interested in improving interconnection capacity in the northern corridor.

Practical example

A construction company specializing in electrical infrastructure operating in northern Spain should monitor this process. The dismantling of more than 120 km of 220 kV lines (with their corresponding high-voltage towers, conductors, and foundations) represents a major construction contract that Red Eléctrica will need to tender. Subsequently, the new 400 kV double circuit line Itxaso-Castejón/Muruarte will involve an even larger construction project, since the double circuit and higher voltage require more robust towers and a greater volume of materials.

On the other hand, a renewable energy developer with projects in Navarra or Gipuzkoa can anticipate that the improvement in evacuation capacity in this corridor will reduce the technical restrictions that currently limit energy injection into the network, improving the operational viability of their facilities in the medium term.

What should companies do now?

1. Red Eléctrica de España: begin closure and partial dismantling work in accordance with the conditions established in the resolution, respecting sections shared with lines in service to avoid interrupting supply.
2. Red Eléctrica de España: execute soil restoration and reforestation measures as required by the favorable Environmental Impact Statement of November 2023.
3. Navarra and Gipuzkoa administrations: coordinate with Red Eléctrica on access permits, temporary occupation, and restoration of lands affected by dismantling work.
4. Electrical sector construction companies: monitor the tendering of dismantling contracts and future construction of the 400 kV Itxaso-Castejón/Muruarte line.
5. Renewable developers in the northern corridor: review their evacuation plans considering the capacity improvement that the new 400 kV double circuit interconnection will provide.

Official source

View 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-2026-16636