i-DE activates the first feeders from the new Plaza España substation
i-DE, Iberdrola Spain's distribution company, has commissioned the first feeders supplying distribution centres from the new substation that the company has built in the Plaza España underground.
Specifically, this substation, whose mission is to transform the voltage from 132kV in the grid to 15kV in the distribution network, will supply 26 distribution centres located in strategic locations throughout the capital.
The so-called ‘feeder circuits’ run through the most important streets of Madrid, linking the Plaza España substation with the distribution centres.
The feeders that were put into service during December supply the distribution centres located on Montera, Gran Vía and Segovia streets. Soon, in 2026, it will be the turn of other emblematic areas such as Paseo del Prado and Mayor, among others.
Thanks to these new power supplies, the company is able to improve the quality of supply to customers in the vicinity of the various centres, which, in this case, include some of Spain's most iconic theatres, shops, churches, fountains and hotels. All of these places require additional electricity at Christmas due to the festive lighting decorations.
Project challenges
The processing of the works in this project is particularly complex due to the different administrations involved in such unique areas as these.
In addition, the execution of the works is also highly complex, as the work must be carried out alongside the daily flow of pedestrians and vehicles in the centre of the capital, without compromising the company's high standards of safety at work.
Another challenge in the execution of these works is replacing the materials on the pavements where the pipes are being laid, such as the heavy granite slabs in Plaza de España or the unique historic cobblestones on Cuesta de la Vega, which are also located close to Madrid's old Arab wall. All materials are meticulously removed so that, as far as possible, they can be reused.
