Zamora, at the center of innovation in power distribution
EDP took another step forward in Zamora on Monday in a €3 million project designed to strengthen Asturias' electricity grid. An electrical substation weighing more than 50 tonnes and measuring nearly 10 metres in length was transported from Meins' facilities in Coreses. Built by ACG and Meins and equipped with Siemens technology, it is destined for the Asturian municipality of Siero, where EDP will put it into operation to improve the quality and security of the area's electricity supply.
The innovative substation was built and assembled in Zamora using an industrialised system that allows much of the construction, equipment integration and operational testing to be carried out at the factory. As a result, it will arrive in Asturias almost fully completed, reducing the work required at its final location. Its dimensions - 9.6 metres long, 3 metres wide and 3.8 metres high - together with a weight of more than 50 tonnes make this an exceptional transport operation.
Once installed in Siero, it will operate like a large electrical roundabout: it will receive electricity through different lines and distribute it to different points according to the grid's needs. Through this project, EDP aims to improve the quality and security of the electricity supply while responding to the area's new power requirements.
The project also includes the infrastructure needed to connect the new substation to the existing grid. This includes an approximately 10-kilometre connection from the town of Meres, comprising two lines and currently at an advanced stage of construction. Following its arrival from Zamora, installation and connection, the project will enter its final phase before commissioning.
'This project shows how innovation and collaboration with our partners enable us to continue modernising the grid and anticipating the needs of local communities. This €3 million investment will strengthen the electricity grid in Siero, improve its capacity and flexibility, and prepare it to support growth and the area's new power requirements,' said José Vallina, Director of Substations at EDP Redes España.
José Antonio Pérez, ACG Manager, added: 'At A.C.G., we are particularly proud to have had the opportunity to take part in a project of this importance alongside EDP, a leading company in the electricity sector with which we have built a long-standing relationship based on trust and mutual commitment. We would also like to highlight the effort, professionalism and dedication of everyone in our organisation and at the partner companies who make projects such as this possible.'
Alejandro González, CEO of Meins, said: 'For Meins, this project demonstrates the value of industrialised construction in delivering large-scale grid infrastructure with greater speed and control. At our facilities in Coreses, Zamora, we have built an integrated medium-voltage centre (CIMT) weighing almost 50 tonnes and measuring nearly 10 metres in length, in collaboration with EDP and Siemens. It will help strengthen the electricity grid in Pola de Siero.'
Raúl Calvo, Siemens' Regional Representative for Asturias and Cantabria, said: 'This facility incorporates Siemens' most advanced electricity distribution technologies, combining medium-voltage equipment, automation and digital monitoring and control systems. It is an innovative solution that will enable the grid to operate with greater flexibility, security and responsiveness, preparing it for the energy needs of the future.'
