The island of Fuerteventura is set to see the removal of over 93 kilometers of obsolete power lines. The Canary Islands Government's Department of Ecological Transition and Energy has granted authorization to Red Eléctrica (REE) for the complete dismantling of the old 66 kV line that runs north to south across the island. This infrastructure will be replaced by the new 132 kV grid, which is already operational.
This decision, made on Friday, September 4, 2026, addresses a long-standing public demand in Fuerteventura and marks a significant step in modernizing the island's electrical system. Close coordination between REE and the regional administration was crucial to ensure that the removal of the old grid did not affect the quality or continuity of the electricity supply, proceeding only after verifying the full operational status of the new network.
Red Eléctrica will have a maximum of 18 months to remove the 344 pylons that make up the over 93 kilometers of the route. The work will be carried out progressively across five municipalities: Tuineje, La Oliva, Pájara, Puerto del Rosario, and Antigua.
The project is divided into three distinct sections. The first, Gran Tarajal–Matas Blancas, involves the removal of 105 pylons over 31.92 km, affecting Tuineje and Pájara. The second, Salinas–Gran Tarajal, will see the dismantling of 151 pylons along 39.07 km, spread across Puerto del Rosario, Antigua, and Tuineje. Lastly, the Salinas–Corralejo section will cover the removal of 88 pylons over 22.88 km, spanning Puerto del Rosario and La Oliva.
The Minister of Ecological Transition and Energy, Mariano H. Zapata, highlighted the significance of the measure, describing it as a response to the demand from Fuerteventura's residents to dismantle the old grid. He emphasized that the action complies with the Environmental Impact Assessment and ensures a renewed electrical supply through the 132 kV line, fulfilling a historic claim while respecting the environment.
The authorization includes specific environmental conditions aimed at protecting the island's birdlife, particularly the population of 'guirres' (houbara bustard). Pylons identified as roosting and nocturnal aggregation sites for this protected species will be preserved, ensuring that the dismantling operation does not compromise critical habitats. This approach balances energy modernization with the protection of natural heritage.
