91998E3609

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3609/98

by Manuel Escolá Hernando (ARE) to the Commission

(3 December 1998)

Subject: High-tension power line in Bal de Chistau

Since the early 1990s the inhabitants of Bal de Chistau, in the Aragón Pyrenees, have used every possible legal argument in their fight against the construction of a high-tension power line between France and Spain which would come through the La Pez pass. In their efforts to protect what is virtually an unspoiled valley they have received support from all the political parties represented in Aragón and a large number of groups and associations of all kinds, ranging from environmental bodies to business associations and chambers of commerce.

The project is being promoted by Red Eléctrica Española in conjunction with its French counterpart, Electricité de France, and it involves the construction of a 400 000-volt power line linking the French and Spanish electricity grids. If the line is routed through Bal de Chistau the local people fear that it could jeopardise the development of tourism in the area on account of the serious impact it would have on health conditions, the environment and the landscape. For some time the company behind the project - Red Eléctrica Española (REE) - abandoned any hope of being able to go ahead with it on account of the obstacles in its path, and it began to consider possible alternative routings. However, the REE regional director, Agustí Maure, has recently said that his company has proposed four possible routes to the Spanish Government and that the Chistau option is once again under consideration.

Does the Commission know what stage this project has reached? If so, what action could it take to prevent the line from being constructed along a route which would seriously affect the fora and fauna of the Poset Maladeta Park and the tourist development of an area which has no other resources at its disposal?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(8 February 1999)

The Commission has been aware since 1991 of the Aragón-Cazaril project to carry electricity between France and Spain, which might cross the Gistain valley in Aragón, Spain. This aims to reinforce electricity interconnection capacity between France and Spain, and is a priority project of the Trans European energy networks. Much of the line has already been built, but not the crossing of the Pyrenean region. The Commission understands that some alternative layouts are under study, but no final decision has been taken.

If, as the Honourable Member indicates, the Spanish government is considering alternative ways of implementing the project, including a crossing of the Gistain valley, this does not reveal that a breach of Community environmental law may occur and therefore the Commission is not in a position to intervene in the matter.