Construction has officially entered a critical phase for the new subsea electricity link connecting Spain and France through the Bay of Biscay. Red Eléctrica, the Spanish grid operator, has begun laying the first of four high-voltage cables that will eventually span 276 kilometers underwater. This project, managed by the joint venture Inelfe, aims to significantly boost the energy exchange capacity between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe, moving from the current 2,800 megawatts to 5,000 megawatts.
The installation process is a complex engineering feat currently being carried out by the Danish company NKT. Their specialized vessel, the NKT Victoria, is laying the initial 65-kilometer segment off the coast of Lemoiz in Bizkaia. Because of the challenging underwater terrain, including the deep Capbreton canyon, the project includes a 27-kilometer underground section in France to bypass the most difficult areas. The cables will be buried or protected with rock to ensure their longevity and minimize environmental disruption.
This infrastructure is considered a strategic priority for the European Union, which has designated it a Project of Common Interest. By strengthening the electrical connection between the two nations, the project is expected to improve the stability and quality of power supplies while facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. Officials emphasize that the project has been developed in close coordination with local administrations and the fishing industry to mitigate potential impacts on the marine ecosystem.
Work is scheduled to continue in several phases through the summer of 2027. While the project has faced delays and rising costs—with budgets increasing due to inflation and material expenses—it remains a cornerstone of regional energy policy. As the cables are laid and connected to converter stations in Gatika and Cubnezais, the project moves closer to its goal of creating a more resilient and efficient energy market for the continent.