Subject: The Valmuel-Tarragona-Begues extra high voltage transmission line
The 400 kilovolt Valmuel-Begues extra high voltage (EHV) line is a privately owned project, exclusively used by its owner. It will be 180 kilometres long, with 500 towers that are 50 metres and 70 metres in height.
It will cross through lagoons of special biological interest and areas of high natural value that are part of the Natura 2000 network. Negative effects on protected habitats will be unavoidable. It will also affect croplands of high agro-ecological value and farm infrastructures.
However, new renewable energy production facilities much closer to Tarragona and Barcelona are about to receive authorisation.
1. Does the Commission find it appropriate to transmit electricity such a long distance, through a private company, when new energy parks much closer to mass consumption centres are pending approval?
2. How will the Commission respond to the negative impacts on areas included in Natura 2000 and on species of vegetation and fauna classified as vulnerable?
3. Does the Commission consider it rational that although many municipalities design and implement ecofriendly development strategies — frequently funded by the EU — they must compete directly with infrastructures such as this EHV line, which undermine the development of such strategies?
Answer given by Ms Simson on behalf of the European Commission
(20 January 2022)
Achieving the Green Deal (1) climate neutrality objectives require significant additional investments in new transmission and distribution grids over the next decade to integrate a higher share of renewable energy.
Transmission infrastructure is essential to ensure security of supply, market integration and climate action. The Commission does not have a view on the projects in question, as it is not involved in their development or approval process.
Under the Habitats Directive (2), any plan or project likely to have a significant impact on a Natura 2000 site has to undergo an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site, in view of the site's conservation objectives.
An authorisation can be given only if the assessment concludes that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site. Projects of overriding public interest can be exceptionally authorised if the absence of alternative solutions is demonstrated and compensatory measures are taken following the directive’s procedure.
Member States need to take appropriate steps to avoid the deterioration of the natural habitats and the habitats of species as well as significant disturbance of the species for which the sites have been designated. Strict protection (3) needs to be respected also outside Natura 2000 sites. Member States are supported by the Commission’s guidance documents (4), (5), (6).
Without prejudice to the Commission’s powers as guardian of the Treaties, it is for the Spanish authorities to ensure the correct implementation of EC law.
The Treaty on the Functioning of the EU affirms Member States’ rights to determine the conditions for exploiting their energy resources, their choice between different energy sources and the general structure of their energy supply.
⋅1∙ https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en
⋅2∙ Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7‐50.
⋅3∙ Articles 5 of the Birds Directive [2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds, OJ L 20,
26.1.2010, p. 7/25] and 12 and 13 of the Habitats Directive
⋅4∙ https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/guidance_en.htm
⋅5∙ https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/pdf/methodological-guidance_2021-10/EN.pdf
⋅6∙ https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/pdf/guidance_on_energy_transmission_infrastructure_and_eu_nature_legislation_en.pdf
