Isona 400 kV Substation: What the Authorization Means for Landowners and the Energy Sector in Lleida

Key data

Landowners in Isona i Conca Dellà (Lleida) should know that the Resolution of July 27, 2026 from the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines declares the public utility of the new Isona 400 kV substation, which activates the mechanism of forced expropriation over 7 properties with identified cadastral owners. The official reference is BOE-A-2026-17911, published on August 18, 2026.

For the energy sector and renewable energy promoters in the Catalan Pyrenees, this infrastructure represents a direct strengthening of the primary transport network in a strategic area for energy evacuation.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution grants Red Eléctrica de España, SAU two simultaneous authorizations:

• Prior administrative authorization for modifications: validates changes introduced compared to the original project processed since 2018.
• Administrative construction authorization: enables the effective start of substation construction and its entry/exit line.

Furthermore, the resolution declares the public utility of the installation, which has a direct and immediate consequence: it enables forced expropriation of necessary land, including the 7 properties with updated cadastral owners located in the municipality of Isona i Conca Dellà (Lleida).

The project has undergone a reduction in scope compared to its original conception. Initially processed since 2018, it has been adapted to the Transport Network Development Plan 2021-2026 (approved in March 2022), now limited to connection with the Sallente-Sentmenat line at 400 kV.

A relevant aspect from a jurisdictional perspective: the Generalitat de Catalunya disputed state jurisdiction over this project. However, the State retained jurisdiction as it concerns primary transport network with voltage equal to or greater than 380 kV, as established by the Electricity Sector Act 24/2013.

Economic and operational impact

For the owners of the 7 affected properties, the declaration of public utility activates the expropriation procedure. This involves negotiation of fair compensation, and in case of disagreement, intervention by the Provincial Expropriation Board. The cadastral owners have already been updated in the file, indicating that the process of identifying affected parties is advanced.

For the renewable energy sector in the Catalan Pyrenees, the new Isona 400 kV substation represents a direct improvement in electrical evacuation capacity in the area. Renewable generation projects that currently have grid connection limitations could benefit from this infrastructure once operational.

For Red Eléctrica de España, the resolution means the unblocking of a project with more than 8 years of processing (since 2018), allowing progress in executing the investments planned in the Transport Network Development Plan 2021-2026.

Who does it affect?

• Owners of the 7 affected properties in Isona i Conca Dellà (Lleida): are subject to forced expropriation. They should verify if they appear as cadastral owners in the file and prepare their position for the fair compensation procedure.
• Red Eléctrica de España, SAU: holder of the authorizations and responsible for project execution and the expropriation process.
• Renewable energy promoters in the Catalan Pyrenees: the new infrastructure expands evacuation capacity in the area, with potential positive impact on the viability of new projects.
• Catalan regional administration: although it disputed jurisdiction, it must coordinate with the General State Administration on urban planning and environmental aspects of the project.
• Electrical infrastructure construction companies: potential contractors for executing the authorized works.

Practical example

An agricultural landowner in Isona i Conca Dellà whose property is among the 7 identified with updated cadastral owners will receive formal notification of the start of the expropriation file. From that moment, they have the right to submit an appraisal statement with their land valuation. If Red Eléctrica de España does not accept that valuation, the file goes to the Provincial Expropriation Board of Lleida, which sets the fair compensation in a binding manner. The owner can challenge that resolution before the administrative courts. In no case can they block the expropriation, given that the declaration of public utility has already been granted by this resolution.

For a solar or wind energy promoter in the Pallars Jussà or Conca Dellà region, the operation of the Isona 400 kV substation can mean access to a closer high-voltage connection point, reducing the evacuation line costs necessary to connect their plant to the transport network.

What should companies do now?

1. Property owners in Isona i Conca Dellà: check the cadastre and file BOE-A-2026-17911 to verify if your property is among the 7 affected. If so, contact a lawyer specializing in expropriations before receiving formal notification.
2. Renewable promoters in the Catalan Pyrenees: evaluate the impact of the new Isona 400 kV substation on the viability of connecting your projects. Contact Red Eléctrica to learn about planned service start dates.
3. Electrical infrastructure construction companies: monitor the bidding processes that Red Eléctrica de España will publish for executing the authorized works.
4. Legal advisors and property managers: if you manage land portfolios in the area, review the impact of this resolution on managed assets and update valuations if necessary.
5. Local and regional administrations: coordinate with the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines on urban planning and territorial planning aspects linked to the project.

Official source

View complete regulation at official source

Disclaimer: 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-2026-17911