S'abonner

Launch of France-Spain Power Line Project sparks opposition

Despite local concerns, work on the France-Spain power line will start in October. Find out more about this electrical interconnection project.

Share:

ligne électrique

Construction of the France-Spain power line, scheduled to start in October, is meeting with strong opposition in the Landes region of New Aquitaine. This major energy infrastructure, dubbed the “Notre-Câble-des-Landes”, is designed to improve power grid capacity between the two countries. It is of great interest in terms of electricity supply.

Improving Electrical Capacity

The France-Spain power line project, supported by RTE in France and Red Eléctrica in Spain, aims to increase the electrical connection capacity between the two countries from 2,800 megawatts to 5,000 megawatts. This significant improvement in electrical capacity is equivalent to supplying power to five million homes. In this way, it meets the growing demand for energy on both sides of the border.

The new 400,000 volt power line is around 400 kilometers long. Of this distance, 272 km are underwater. The rest is buried in the ground at a depth of 1.5 meters. This colossal electrical infrastructure is designed to ensure a robust interconnection between France and Spain to meet the energy policies of both countries.

Route modification

Initially, the power line cables were to pass through the Capbreton chasm in the Bay of Biscay. However, this option proved impossible due to unfavorable geological conditions. As a result, the new route now crosses five communes in the Landes region, underground.

This change in route has not allayed the concerns of local residents. Residents of the “Stop THT 40” collective are campaigning for the evaluation of a third option, to run along the A63 freeway to the Spanish border, in line with the recommendations of the French Conseil national de la protection de la nature (CNPN). RTE rejected this proposal, arguing that road infrastructures did not allow it.

Health Concerns and Controversy

Opponents of the project, including some local elected representatives, are also concerned about the possible health risks associated with such a powerful line. RTE claims that the line poses no health hazard, but residents are demanding proof to the contrary. This controversy has intensified over the months.

Elected representatives, such as the mayor of Capbreton, Patrick Laclédère, are considering legal action to suspend the work, thus expressing their disagreement with the project. The situation is becoming increasingly tense.

  • Populaires ​
Permex Petroleum raises US$2mn through convertible debentures to support operations
MN8 Energy raises $575mn with Natixis CIB to strengthen its US solar debt
Saudi Aramco Sharply Raises Crude Prices for Asia in August
Geothermal Radar launches global platform to accelerate industrial geothermal projects
Global PV inverter shipments reach 589 GWac as Asia-Pacific dominates in 2024
Asia accounts for 71% of new renewable capacity, Africa remains marginalised
Asia dominated global new renewable energy capacity in 2024 with 71% of installations, while Africa recorded limited growth of only 7.2%, according to the latest annual report from IRENA.
Trump law reshapes US energy markets according to Wood Mackenzie
US President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act dramatically changes energy investment rules, imposing restrictions on renewables while favouring hydrocarbons, according to a recent report by consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie.
The French Senate adopts the Gremillet bill for energy transition
On July 8, 2025, the Senate validated the Gremillet bill, aimed at structuring France's energy transition with clear objectives for nuclear power, renewable energies, and energy renovation.
Latin America’s six largest economies accelerate transition to renewables
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Peru significantly increase renewable electricity production, reaching nearly 70% of the regional electricity mix, according to a recent Wood Mackenzie study on Latin America's energy sector.
Canada funds 13 Indigenous energy projects with $40mn investment
The Canadian government announces an investment of more than $40mn to fund 13 energy projects led by Indigenous communities across the country, aiming to improve energy efficiency and increase local renewable energy use.
Germany extends electricity price aid to 2,200 companies
The German Ministry of Economy plans to significantly expand aid aimed at reducing industrial electricity costs, increasing eligible companies from 350 to 2,200, at an estimated cost of €4bn ($4.7bn).
Czech Republic hit by massive power outage disrupting the economy
A major electricity blackout paralyzed large parts of the Czech Republic, interrupting transport and essential networks, raising immediate economic concerns, and highlighting the vulnerability of energy infrastructures to unforeseen technical incidents.
France anticipates significant slowdown in emission reductions starting in 2025
French greenhouse gas emissions are expected to rise by 0.2% in the first quarter of 2025, indicating a global slowdown in reductions forecast for the full year, according to Citepa, an independent organisation responsible for national monitoring.
U.S. Senate Approves Accelerated End to Renewable Energy Tax Credits
The Republican budget bill passed by the U.S. Senate accelerates the phase-out of tax credits for renewable energies, favoring fossil fuels and raising economic concerns among solar and wind industry professionals.
Brazil: renewable energy curtailment to jump by 300% by 2035
Rapid growth in solar and wind capacities will lead to a significant rise in electricity curtailment in Brazil, as existing transmission infrastructure remains inadequate to handle this massive influx of energy, according to a recent study by consulting firm Wood Mackenzie.
South Korea reduces its dependence on fossil fuels below 50%
In April 2025, fossil fuels represented 49.5% of South Korea's electricity mix, dropping below the symbolic threshold of 50% for the first time, primarily due to a historic decline in coal-generated electricity production.
US Senate adopts tax neutrality for advanced biofuels
The US Senate Finance Committee modifies the '45Z' tax credit to standardize the tax treatment of renewable fuels, thereby encouraging advanced biofuel production starting October 2025.
Renewable energy: access improving, but financing still insufficient for Africa
According to the 2025 report on global energy access, despite notable progress in renewable energy, insufficient targeted financing continues to hinder electricity and clean cooking access, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
China and the United States improve their energy performance in an unstable global context
While advanced economies maintain global energy leadership, China and the United States have significantly progressed in the security and sustainability of their energy systems, according to the World Economic Forum's annual report.
Algeria and Angola strengthen energy cooperation at US–Africa summit
On the sidelines of the US–Africa summit in Luanda, Algiers and Luanda consolidate their energy collaboration to better exploit their oil, gas, and mining potential, targeting a common strategy in regional and international markets.
UK urged to accelerate electricity price reforms
The UK's Climate Change Committee is urging the government to quickly reduce electricity costs to facilitate the adoption of heat pumps and electric vehicles, judged too slow to achieve the set climate targets.
Brussels expands subsidies for low-carbon technologies and nuclear power
The European Commission will extend until the end of 2030 an expanded state-aid framework, allowing capitals to fund low-carbon technologies and nuclear power to preserve competitiveness against China and the United States.
Japan Faces Major Electricity Shortfall of 89 GW by 2050
Japan's grid operator forecasts an energy shortfall of up to 89 GW by 2050 due to rising demand from semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence technologies.
EU Approves Targeted Energy Aid for Europe’s Heavy Industries
Energy-intensive European industries will be eligible for temporary state aid to mitigate high electricity prices, according to a new regulatory framework proposed by the European Commission under the "Clean Industrial Deal."
Mauritius launches international tender for floating power plant
Mauritius seeks international investors to swiftly build a floating power plant of around 100 MW, aiming to secure the national energy supply by January 2026 and address current production shortfalls.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING