Portugal and Spain open new electricity link across border

Portugal and Spain have inaugurated a new high-voltage electricity interconnection between Viana do Castelo and Pontevedra, raising cross-border exchange capacity by about 1,000 MW. The Portuguese investment exceeded 70 million euros, covering a 68km line and a new substation at Ponte de Lima. Officials say the link, backed by the European Commission as a Project of Common Interest, will help integrate 281 GWh of extra renewable energy yearly and cut CO2 emissions by around 113,000 tonnes. Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho said it strengthens grid resilience and reduces blackout risk, and Portugal plans to press France to speed up further interconnections.