Endesa will invest €62.37 million in Barcelona's electricity grid this year, marking a 15.5% increase from the previous year. This substantial investment, which represents over 23% of the company's total planned spending in Catalonia, aims to guarantee maximum supply reliability and adapt the network to the city's evolving needs.

Marcos Lalueza, head of Endesa's territorial unit in Barcelona, recently told journalists about the significant increase. He noted that the 2020 investment stood at €37 million. The primary goals include renewing infrastructure, adapting to new urban demands, and digitalising the network.

"The city grows and transforms, and we, as a service provider to the public, must be able to accompany this growth and transformation of the city," Lalueza explained. Endesa plans 248 actions across Barcelona's low and medium voltage networks. These actions include installing 41 kilometres of new electrical lines.

Enhancing Infrastructure and Digitalisation

Currently, the project has reached a 47% execution rate. Of the €62.37 million, Endesa allocates €34 million to construct new infrastructure. This part of the investment costs more than digitalisation efforts, but Lalueza stressed that both aspects must progress together.

He highlighted the considerable investment effort in Barcelona. Lalueza also emphasised the critical need for coordination with the Barcelona City Council. This collaboration helps align Endesa's projects with the council's own urban development works.

Addressing Summer Challenges and Climate Change

Endesa identifies two main impacts during the summer season. These include an increase in household electricity consumption and potential stress on installations due to high temperatures. The company is actively working to secure its infrastructure, considering both short-term and medium-term perspectives.

"We are immersed in climate change and see that this situation is increasing," Lalueza stated. "We must be able to withstand these circumstances." Summer also affects Endesa's work schedule in the city. The company prioritises works in areas with fewer tourists or near facilities like schools. They avoid areas such as Ciutat Vella or El Born, where visitor numbers increase significantly in summer.

Long-Term Vision for Barcelona's Power Supply

Beyond the annual investment plan, Endesa is undertaking long-term projects. These efforts focus on strengthening transformers, constructing and expanding substations, and deploying new high-voltage lines. They also include new connections with the national transport network, managed by Red Eléctrica.

These long-term investments have an approximate five-year horizon and are already underway. They involve larger-scale works with a greater physical impact on the ground. Endesa plans to increase the number of substations by 25%, from 24 to 30. New substations are already under development in Lesseps and Valdonzella, coordinated with the Barcelona City Council and Red Eléctrica.

Sergi Serramià, the zone technician responsible for Sants-Montjuïc, provided a specific example of Endesa's work. In the area around Segons Jocs Mediterranis street, the company is renewing 530 metres of cable and upgrading a transformation centre. This work will boost the reliability and capacity of the local electricity network.

Residents will benefit from this upgrade. Additionally, Fira de Barcelona, which is remodelling pavilions at its nearby site, will also see improved power supply. Endesa will also make structural long-term investments as part of the City Council's urban plan around the Fira area. This plan includes new housing and facilities, requiring new Endesa supplies to provide electricity.

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Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.