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High-Speed Rail Transformation: Adif AV's Latest Electrification Boosts Spain's Connectivity and Eco-Friendly Transit

High-Speed Rail Transformation: Adif AV's Latest Electrification Boosts Spain's Connectivity and Eco-Friendly Transit
photo: Adif AV/High-Speed Rail Transformation: Adif AV's Latest Electrification Boosts Spain's Connectivity and Eco-Friendly Transit
30 / 08 / 2023

Adif AV continues its commitment to improving Spain's railway connectivity with a significant advancement in the electrification of the high-speed rail to Extremadura.

On 23 August at 23:59 h, the catenary spanning from Peñas Blancas to Frontera Portuguesa was energized. This includes the 90 km segment from the Carmonita substation to Badajoz station's exit, encapsulating stations like Aljucén, Mérida, and Badajoz. Voltage assessments on catenary components between Plasencia and Badajoz will commence shortly. This development follows the restoration of the 112 km stretch from Plasencia station's exit to Peñas Blancas on 19 May.

The electrification system, leveraging a 2x25 kV alternating current setup with a 50 Hertz frequency, heralds a safer and more environmentally friendly transportation mode. Supplied by traction substations, it offers a superior distribution of currents and is becoming the standard for Spain's newest high-speed railways. The design extends the gap between traction substations to 60-65 km, resulting in fewer installations and a reduced environmental footprint.

Further enhancements in the region include laying tracks at the Mérida bypass, progressing on the Dehesa del Terzuelo tunnel and the Arroyo Grande viaduct, and station upgrades like the one nearing completion in Badajoz. Adif AV's commitment is clear, with a €6.8 million contract awarded for maintaining the energy systems of the 355 km electrified Plasencia-Badajoz section. The Ministry of Transport is also evaluating the Madrid-Oropesa section, signifying extensive efforts to fortify Spain's rail infrastructure.

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