Port of València’s EUR 14.5M electrical substation approved

The Port of València has received the green light from Spain’s Council of Ministers for the construction of an electrical substation worth an estimated EUR 14. 5 million.

The project signals a major stride towards advancing sustainability initiatives within the region, especially in the context of the ever-stricter regulatory framework.

Specifically, under the FuelEU Maritime directive, effective January 1, 2030, container and passenger ships, including cruise ships, with a gross tonnage equal to or exceeding 5,000, are mandated to establish shore power connections in primary European Union ports outlined in the trans-European transport network (TEN-T).

Consequently, these ports are required to make preparations to accommodate the implementation of shore power connections to meet the increased demand for electric energy.

This approved initiative introduces the first-ever substation in the Port of València, which will connect the power supply network of the Port Authority’s facilities with the 132 kV high-voltage distribution network.

“This 132/20kv substation will guarantee optimum conditions for the supply of electrical energy to the Port of València in order to be able to meet new consumption requirements, derived from the plans to provide electrical supply to ships moored in port, which will reduce atmospheric emissions and noise pollution in the port,” the port authority said.

The introduction of the electrical substation at the Port of València addresses a practical need – the rising demand for green electrical energy. As such, the port plans to integrate renewable energy into its power supply, currently solar photovoltaic.

The strategic move will enable Port of València to meet the emerging energy demands while continuing to advance towards its major objective of zero emissions in 2030.

This new electricity substation is supported by the European Commission through Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).