The ongoing energy transition assumes an increasingly relevant contribution of renewable energies in electricity production, accompanied by a reduction in the use of fossil fuels.

For this movement to be possible, it is essential to properly connect new renewable power generation centers to the grids, ensuring the necessary conditions for the flow of energy produced.

The project for the new 400 kV connection between the Fundão substation and a new substation in the Vila Nova de Foz Côa area is part of the set of new infrastructures planned for the RNT, as proposed in the PDIRT 2022-2031 (Electricity Transmission Network Development and Investment Plan for the period 2022-2031) and its Environmental Report of its Strategic Environmental Assessment.

With the establishment of this Fundão - Vila Nova de Foz Côa 400 kV corridor, potential overloads in the current 220 kV network located in the central/northern region can be avoided, which could occur due to changes in flows resulting from the installation of significant amounts of new production associated with photovoltaic solar power plants, the majority of which are located or to be located in the southern and central interior regions.

The Fundão - Vila Nova de Foz Côa corridor also allows the flow of energy in the RNT through a new alternative corridor to the existing one on the coast, also at 400 kV, in order to improve the connection between production and consumption, particularly in the north, where there is also a strong component associated with hydroelectric pumping.

This project contributes to the achievement of the goals set in the National Energy and Climate Plan 2030 (for the reception of new renewable production) and supports the country's objectives in terms of energy transition and decarbonization.
 

 
List of planned infrastructures:  

•            Vila Nova de Foz Côa switching station;
•            Fundão – Vila Nova de Foz Côa Line;
•            Opening of the Armamar – Lagoaça line for the Vila Nova de Foz Côa switching station.

• Environmental study - 2022
• Environmental Impact Statement – forecast for 2023  
• Establishment Licence – forecast for 2024
• Contact with landowners (land registry survey and compensation process) – forecast for 2024
• Construction – forecast for 2024
• Completion of the project – forecast for 2025 

• Vila Nova de Foz Côa 
• Meda 
• Penedono 
• São João da Pesqueira 
• Covilhã 
• Pinhel 
• Celorico da Beira 
• Guarda 
• Sabugal 
• Belmonte 
• Trancoso 
• Fundão 
• Sernancelhe 
  
  

Expected location (subject to change)  

Voltage level: 400 kV

Pole heights: between 64 and 75 meters