Synchronous Compensator in Rocamora (Alicante): Keys to Red Eléctrica Authorization

Key data

The Rocamora substation, in Granja de Rocamora (Alicante), adds a new piece of critical infrastructure: a 250 MVA synchronous compensator in its 400 kV park. The Resolution of July 7, 2026 from the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines grants Red Eléctrica de España, SAU both prior administrative authorization and administrative construction authorization for this expansion, published in the BOE on July 31, 2026.

The action is framed within the Plan for Development of the Transport Network 2021-2026, approved by the Council of Ministers on July 8, 2025, whose objective is to increase the resilience of the Spanish electrical system against disturbances and voltage variations in the high-voltage network.

What does this regulation establish?

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

• Prior administrative authorization: legally enables the substation expansion project.
• Administrative construction authorization: allows the start of installation works for the synchronous compensator and its associated position in the 400 kV park.

The most relevant technical and procedural aspects are as follows:

The exemption from environmental assessment is relevant from a procedural standpoint: since it is an expansion within an already operational substation, there is no need to process a new environmental impact procedure, which significantly speeds up execution.

Economic and operational impact

This resolution has a direct impact on the operational and financial planning of Red Eléctrica de España, SAU, as manager of the transport network:

• The reduction of periods by half due to the urgent nature of the project accelerates commissioning and reduces regulatory uncertainty for investment planning.
• The exemption from environmental assessment eliminates a procedure that typically can extend proceedings several months, with consequent savings in processing and management costs.
• The period of 36 months from notification to obtain Operating Authorization sets the maximum execution horizon: REE must have the installation operational before that period expires or face regulatory consequences.
• The possibility of appealing before the State Secretariat for Energy within one month opens a window for affected third parties (local administrations, operators in the area) to challenge the resolution if they consider their interests have not been properly weighed.

From the perspective of the electrical system, the installation of a 250 MVA synchronous compensator at the 400 kV node in Rocamora contributes to voltage stability in the transport network of the southeastern peninsula, with indirect benefits for all consumers and operators connected to that area of the network.

Who does it affect?

• Red Eléctrica de España, SAU: authorization holder and responsible for executing the expansion within the 36-month period.
• Local administration: Municipality of Granja de Rocamora (Alicante) and other surrounding municipalities, which may be affected by the works and must coordinate with REE.
• Regional administration: Generalitat Valenciana, in its role as territorial administration competent in land planning and coordination with energy infrastructure.
• Electrical market operators connected to the 400 kV network in the southeastern peninsula, who will benefit from greater system resilience.
• Third parties with legitimate interest who have one month to file an appeal before the State Secretariat for Energy.

Practical example

Suppose a renewable generation operator has facilities connected to the 400 kV network in the Alicante area. The Rocamora substation acts as an evacuation node for part of that energy. With the installation of the 250 MVA synchronous compensator, the node gains reactive voltage regulation capacity, which can translate into:

• Lower risk of restrictions due to voltage problems in the network.
• Greater stability in energy evacuation, especially during periods of high renewable generation.
• Potential reduction in deviation costs associated with technical restrictions in that area of the network.

From a procedural standpoint: if that same operator considers that the resolution negatively affects their interests (for example, due to construction constraints during construction), they have one month from publication to file an appeal before the State Secretariat for Energy.

What should companies do now?

1. If you are Red Eléctrica de España: activate the project plan for the installation of the 250 MVA synchronous compensator in Rocamora, with the Operating Authorization milestone as the deadline 36 months from notification.
2. If you are local or regional administration in the area: review the resolution and coordinate with REE the aspects of civil works, access and effects on municipal or regional territory.
3. If you have legitimate interest and disagree with the resolution: file an appeal before the State Secretariat for Energy within a maximum of one month from notification or publication.
4. If you are an operator connected to the 400 kV network in the southeast: incorporate into your operational planning the resilience improvement planned at the Rocamora node, with commissioning horizon within the 36-month period.
5. If you are an energy advisor or consultant: update monitoring of the Plan for Development of the Transport Network 2021-2026, of which this resolution is a specific action, to anticipate new authorizations in the transport network.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in 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-2026-16735