The dismantling of the old 66 kV power line between Corralejo and Matas Blancas is set to begin in early 2027, as announced by Red Eléctrica to the Cabildo of Fuerteventura during a meeting on 28 October.
This project includes the removal of structures, cables, insulators, foundations, and leftover materials, as well as restoration of the land. The Cabildo has committed to implementing preventive and corrective measures to minimise environmental impact during the work. Prior to the start, Red Eléctrica and local authorities will notify affected property owners.
Lola García, President of the Cabildo, and Nereida Calero, the Councillor for Land Planning, met with key figures from Red Eléctrica to discuss details of the dismantling process, which will follow environmental and construction standards for each area. García emphasised the significance of this initiative: “It is the largest dismantling of an electricity line ever conducted in the Canary Islands, making it essential to coordinate effectively to ensure its removal is respectful of the environment.”
García also highlighted the Cabildo’s commitment to working closely with municipalities to expedite the necessary permits for the removal. Nereida Calero underlined the importance of restoring the land to its natural state, not just for the landscape and biodiversity but for the local residents who have been waiting to regain access to their land.
Starting in early 2027, the dismantling of the 66 kV line is expected to take 18 months. It comes after administrative processes were completed. The dismantling will incorporate environmental measures aimed at minimising impact and restoring the terrain to its original condition.
This announcement marks a delay from previous plans to begin work in 2026. In October 2024, the Cabildo indicated that the removal would occur after the completion of a new 132 kV line, finished in December 2024. The old infrastructure’s removal then awaited necessary approvals.
In September 2026, the Canary Islands government approved the removal of over 93 kilometres of the original line, allowing for an 18-month timeframe to complete the work. Red Eléctrica has now revised the start date to early 2027.
The latest authorisation mentioned 352 supports to be dismantled, in contrast to 344 stated in September’s announcement. The discrepancy may relate to preservation measures for certain supports identified as resting areas for local bird species.
The high-tension line has been at the centre of a protracted dispute between the Cabildo, the Canary Islands government, and Red Eléctrica. Since the new 132 kV line was installed, local institutions have called for the removal of the old network.
The Cabildo began legal proceedings against Red Eléctrica in 2015, seeking the cancellation of the environmental impact declaration for the project. While the Supreme Court initially sided with the Cabildo, subsequently, the line’s installation was allowed under a declaration of public utility from Red Eléctrica, approved by the Canary Islands government.
