Powering Andorra's sustainable energy future
Co-creation in practice to make a positive impact on nature and society
FEDA is the public utility providing electricity to Andorra and together with Hitachi Energy worked to ensure a sustainable energy future for its people without compromising their ancestral harmony with nature
Powering Andorra's sustainable energy future
Project Details
Customer: FEDA - Forces Eléctriques d'Andorra
Location: Andorra, Europe
Substation: La Gonarda ETR - first energized on 17th October, 2023
Scope: EconiQ™ Power Transformer - 20/26 MVA,106/21 kV three-phase
Application: High to medium voltage electric energy transformation and distribution station (from 110kV to 20kV)
Navigating challenges, delivering solutions, making an impact - How we did it
- Challenge
- Solution
- Impact
FEDA required a sustainable solution that could guarantee the growth of the electricity supply of the Valls del Nord region (La Massana and Ordino) with proven power quality.
Additionally, they required the ability to allow for load reduction efficiently and securely at the Encamp Substation and optimize the distribution of electricity between the two valleys.
Overlaying these requirements, the substation not only had to enable FEDA to achieve its sustainability goals, but it was to be integrated into the natural mountainside surroundings – close to neighbors and ski resorts – with minimal impact on the environment and optimized total cost of ownership (TCO).
With tourism being a key driver of Andorra’s economy, all new projects are deeply analyzed in terms of their effects on the local environment. Noise and visual pollution were, therefore of significant concern that Hitachi Energy had to resolve.
About Andorra
Andorra, a hidden gem in Europe
A small, mountainous microstate in the Pyrenees with 92 percent forest land, surrounded by Spain and France.
Andorra is the sixth-smallest state in Europe with an area of 468 square kilometers.
Its capital, Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe at an elevation of 1,023 meters.
Paris Agreement: Signed in 2016, Andorra is committed to limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Although it is responsible for a relatively small portion of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, due to its mountainous and high location, it is especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Thus, action on climate change is an urgent focus for the entire region.
La Gonarda substation
A prime example of utilizing cutting-edge technologies, but foremost, it is the result of true collaboration of partners sharing a common vision and passion for a sustainable energy future for today’s generation and those to come.
2016
2017
2021
Reliable Electricity
The ETR La Gonarda, housing EconiQ™ transformer, ensures a robust electricity supply for Valls del Nord (Northern Valleys), reducing the load on another substation.
Optimized Distribution
The station enables the distribution of energy from 110 kV to 20 kV, optimizing the consumption between the valleys.
Renewable Ready
La Gonarda station is essential to accommodate rising electricity demand and to absorb all the new generation coming from the new renewable sources in the region.
Minimal Impact
The infrastructure was eco-consciously designed to blend in with the landscape, hide equipment, and reduce disturbance to both nature and the people around it.
Environmental impact study by Ambiotec M&S SLU
Vegetation Roof by Soprema Group
Eco-portfolio for a carbon-neutral energy future
EconiQ™ is Hitachi Energy’s eco-efficient portfolio for sustainability where products, services, and solutions are proven to deliver exceptional environmental performance.
Building on over 250 years of combined technology leadership, we have been consistently investing to address the growing demand for eco-efficient solutions. Together with customers and partners, we are accelerating the energy transition, and we continue to lead innovation to lower the environmental impact of our products and solutions, and we support the quest toward carbon neutrality.
FEDA Case Study
EconiQ™ Transformers
Diana Gonzalez, Application Engineer, Transformers Europe, Hitachi Energy