VHV line for GALP's first solar project in Portugal

Galp is an energy company committed to providing clients with efficient and sustainable solutions in terms of operations and propositions. The Company seeks to regenerate its portfolio following the path of energy transition, reducing the carbon intensity of produced energy, driving the industry towards sustainability and building a renewable energy portfolio.

Summary Table

Sector Power
Companies Involved Alcoutim Municipal Council Electrolinhas Galp Geolayer Portuguese Environment Agency Proef REN Tavira Municipal Council
Location Alcoutim | Tavira
Solutions Used Network Operations - Power

Global Numbers

150 Voltage of the line connecting to the National Transmission Grid
16.6 The Viçoso - Tavira Line will have an extension of about 16.6 km
45 Number of supports necessary to structure the extension of the line

The Challenge

To transport the energy produced by photovoltaic plants with the least possible impact Galp is building four photovoltaic solar power plants (FC) in the municipality of Alcoutim:

- Viçoso SPP
- Pereiro SPP
- Albercas SPP
- São Marcos SPP

These will encompass an estimated annual production capacity of 250,000 MWh of electric energy, which will allow to supply more than 80,000 homes, thus avoiding the emission of 75,000 tons of CO2.
The photovoltaic plants will be connected to a collector substation located next to the Viçoso SPP, and the challenge presented was to connect the collector substation to the National Transmission Grid (RNT) via a very high voltage (150 kV) overhead line.

The development of this project took into consideration the best available practices to ensure the safety of those involved in the execution of the works, as well as the implementation of mitigating measures to minimise the impacts on the local community, biodiversity, landscape, land, and architectural, archaeological and ethnographic heritage.

Our solution

In 9 months, Proef built a 150 kV very high voltage overhead line (Viçoso - Tavira Line) with a length of 16.6 km, based on 45 supports distributed by the municipalities of Alcoutim and Tavira. 

This line is a simple three-phase line, with one conductor per phase, two guard cables, and T-type, double-beamed single line supports, with CW-type double line supports in the line’s first kilometre, next to the Tavira substation (REN).

It’s worth mentioning that, during this process, the safety distances were taken into account, particularly the obstacles to be overcome (trees, buildings, roads, etc.), signalling for birds and aircrafts, agricultural land, protected species, and a waste management plan has also been implemented. All this in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Environmental Impact Declaration (DIA).

The main beneficiary of this project is our planet and Portuguese families, as the annual release of 75,000 tonnes of CO2 will be prevented and 80,000 homes will be connected.