Removal of 66‑kW Turbines That “Cook” the Island Confirmed

Red Eléctrica plans to start works in 2026 once all prior procedures are completed

The Cabildo of Fuerteventura held a meeting today with representatives of Red Eléctrica to review the roadmap for dismantling the old 66 kV power line and to pass the information on to the municipalities. The dismantling of the line that runs from Corralejo (north) to Matas Blancas (south of the island) will take place after the new double‑circuit 132 kV corridor is fully operational and the necessary administrative authorisations for removing the old line are obtained.

To prepare the dismantling, which is being carried out in compliance with the Environmental Impact Statement for the 132 kV corridor, Red Eléctrica is coordinating closely with the Cabildo of Fuerteventura. It has met with the mayors of the municipalities crossed by the route to explain the procedure and will jointly inform property owners together with the Cabildo and other administrations.

“As soon as we formed the governing team, the Island Corporation requested that the obligation to remove the 66 kV line be fulfilled,” said island president Lola García.

“We have held several meetings with Red Eléctrica and now we ask for a clear roadmap that is shared with all local administrations, so that the power line that cuts across the entire island—and impacts the territory and landscape—can finally be removed,” García added.

For the councilor of Planning, Nereida Calero, “it is essential to ensure that the dismantling is carried out with the utmost respect for the environment and that the entire installed infrastructure is removed.” The meeting also included Tuineje mayor Canderaria Umpiérrez and councilors José Díaz (Pájara) and Ana Hernández (Puerto del Rosario).

Daniel Pérez Varela, Director of Infrastructure for Red Eléctrica in the Canary Islands, indicated that a total of 352 support structures will be dismantled between Corralejo and Matas Blancas, spanning the municipalities of La Oliva, Puerto del Rosario, Antigua, Tuineje and Pájara. He emphasized that the works will be carried out in accordance with existing environmental constraints and the preventive and corrective measures planned, including the removal of all infrastructure and the restoration of the land to its original state.

Red Eléctrica has announced that the works are expected to start next year, with the development of the tasks already being organised so they can commence as soon as all required procedures are completed. The works will not affect electricity supply, which will be guaranteed by the new 132 kV corridor.

Main dismantling actions

• Removal of the 352 support structures and their conductors
• Tensioning and removal of the live and grounding cables
• Dismantling of the tower structures
• Collection of conductors, grounding cables and insulator chains
• Destruction of foundations
• Removal of surplus civil‑work materials and, where applicable, the bases of the old supports

These steps aim to return the affected areas to their original condition while eliminating the visual and environmental impact of the outdated 66 kV line.