Andorra's FEDA Sets Mid-2027 Deadline for L'Hospitalet Hydro Plant Expansion Project
FEDA director Sílvia Calvó announced a preliminary project detailing costs for expanding the L'Hospitalet hydroelectric plant will be complete by mid-2027, in partnership with French firm EDF. This addresses peak winter demand while progress continues on a 2029 Spain power link.
Key Points
- FEDA to finalize L'Hospitalet expansion project by mid-2027 with full cost and funding details.
- Potential 60% FEDA-40% EDF split discussed during Macron's visit; Agence de l’Eau involved.
- Project to supply peak winter power, reducing market reliance; construction eyed for 2030-2032.
- Spain interconnection at €50M progressing, targeting 220 kV capacity by 2029.
Sílvia Calvó, director general of FEDA, has confirmed that a detailed preliminary project for expanding the L'Hospitalet hydroelectric plant near the French border will be finalized by mid-2027, providing a full cost estimate and funding breakdown to inform a final decision on proceeding.
The initiative involves collaboration with Électricité de France (EDF) and the Agence de l’Eau, with each partner set to gain specific benefits. For Andorra, the plant would supply electricity during peak winter demand periods, reducing reliance on volatile international markets. Calvó noted that the document under preparation with EDF will clarify total expenses and how contributions will be divided. During French co-prince Emmanuel Macron's visit, he inquired about cost-sharing, prompting Calvó to outline a potential split of 60% from FEDA and 40% from EDF, though the Agence de l’Eau's role remains to be detailed further. She emphasized the project's strategic importance for both sides of the border, as Macron highlighted, fostering closer ties between the countries. If approved, construction could wrap up between 2030 and 2032.
Caladó described the expansion as vital for stabilizing supply amid high winter needs and global price swings, even before final approval. French authorities, including the co-prince, view it as a cross-border effort with environmental advantages for neighboring areas.
On a parallel track, progress continues on the electrical interconnection with Spain, linking Andorra's Transformer and Distribution Station (ETR) on the Runer river to the Adrall ETR. FEDA is funding the project at around €50 million overall, but Red Eléctrica de España must tender the high-voltage lines, cabling, and pylon work on its side. Calvó said she lacks details on the tender's status but stressed the need to synchronize Andorra's station construction with Adrall modifications. Everything is proceeding normally, she added, with the link set to deliver 220 kV capacity by 2029.
Related Articles
Other articles from Catalan-language sources about the same story:
- Bon Dia•
La central de l’Hospitalet, pendent de l’aprovació final a mitjan 2027
- El Periòdic•
Calvó reitera que el cost de l’ampliació de la central de l’Hospitalet estarà enllestit a mitjans de l’any 2027
- Diari d'Andorra•
Calvó reitera que el cost de l'ampliació de la central de l'Hospitalet es concretarà el 2027