French cable systems designer and manufacturer Nexans has been tapped as the preferred supplier for a 132 kV power cable link designed to strengthen the security and resilience of the Balearic Islands’ electricity network and slash Menorca's reliance on fossil fuels.
Nexans has been selected as the preferred supplier by Red Eléctrica, Redeia's subsidiary responsible for electricity transmission and the operation of Spain's power systems, for the Mallorca-Menorca 3 interconnection project, a strategic power infrastructure initiative designed to fortify the security and resilience of electricity supply in the Balearic Islands.
The tender launched by Red Eléctrica for this project specifies that the execution of the agreement will initiate a six-month engineering phase for a new 132 kV high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) cable link between Mallorca and Menorca and lay the foundation for a future engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) contract.
According to the French giant, this project represents the next stage in the development of the electrical connection between the two islands and will support the long-term reliability and stability of the regional power system, enabling Menorca Island to significantly reduce its dependency on fossil fuel electricity generation upon delivery.
Nexans will conduct engineering activities for a comprehensive cable system incorporating both subsea and land cable infrastructure, building on its longstanding experience delivering complex interconnection projects and its established presence in the region.
The project will leverage the company’s expertise across engineering, manufacturing, and installation, with particular attention to be given to environmental stewardship throughout project planning and execution, reflecting the ecological sensitivity of the project area.
The new interconnection also builds on the European firm's previous contribution to the existing electrical link between Mallorca and Menorca and further strengthens the long-standing collaboration between the two companies.
Pascal Radue, EVP of PWR-Transmission at Nexans, commented: "Nexans is proud to have been selected by Red Eléctrica for this strategic project. The Mallorca-Menorca interconnection is an important infrastructure investment that will help reinforce network resilience and support the energy transition in the Balearic Islands.
“This agreement reflects the confidence placed in Nexans' end-to-end capabilities and our track record in delivering reliable and sustainable electrification solutions."
The preferred supplier role for this western Mediterranean project comes shortly after Nexans kicked off the production of 525 kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cables for the LanWin2 offshore grid connection.