Sparking change

SPAIN and France reached an 11th hour agreement over the Bay of Biscay electricity connection project on Thursday, March 2.

The €1.1 billion overspending that had caused delays and disputes has now been divided between the two countries, with Spain shouldering 54 per cent of the costs and France paying 46 per cent.

The project aims to double the capacity of the existing electricity connection between the two countries, which will also reduce their dependence on the rest of Europe for energy supply.

The iconnection will consist of two separate electric links, each with a capacity of one gigawatt, and will cover a distance of 400 kilometres, 300 of which will be under the sea. Despite the challenges and increased costs, both countries recognise the benefits of the project, particularly in light of the ongoing transition to renewable energy. The connection is expected to be operational by 2027 or 2028.

The link will also allow France to reduce its reliance on its expensive nuclear power plants. This agreement will have a significant impact on the energy landscape of Spain and France, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.