I-DE, Iberdrola España's distribution company, rolling out pioneering technology in the Region of Murcia to protect birdlife

• The use of this innovative solution on overhead line supports makes birds more safe by reducing electrical risks

• The company has already proven the project’s effectiveness in other autonomous regions in Spain, consolidating its firm commitment to the conservation of biodiversity

I-DE, Iberdrola España's distribution company, has carried out the project to install the company's first insulating crossheads in the Region of Murcia. The Regional Minister for the Environment, Universities, Research and the Mar Menor, Juan María Vázquez, visited the site to set up this pioneering technology to preserve the region's wildlife.

The Minister was accompanied by the heads of i-DE, David Martínez, Cartagena area expert, Alejandro Mulas, Cartagena area head, and by Ángel Pallarés, Area Manager in the Region, as well as by Iberdrola's Institutional Representative in the Community, Miguel Ángel Cerdán.

The insulating crossheads, designed and developed by the company, are made of fibreglass polymer, and aim to reduce the risk of impact and contact between two points with different voltages from birds perched on electrical supports. The aim of this project is to install insulating material crossarms on the power line poles in the region instead of the usual conductors lining that has been used up to now.

For Ángel Pallarés, "our previous solution was totally valid for protecting birdlife, but there were several problems for our electricity grids' operation and maintenance, which has led us to seek out an equally effective solution, but one that overcomes these issues". 

The Regional Minister for the Environment, Universities, Research and the Mar Menor, Juan María Vázquez, supported the use of insulating crossheads as an alternative to lining conductors and stressed that "the regional government will continue to work with companies in the industry and experts in conservation to continue to make progress in protecting birdlife, with measures that combine innovation, safety and respect for the environment".

The results recorded to date in other places the company operates, which are being closely monitored, show that the insulating crossheads solution is effective and reduces the electrical risk to birds, which is why the company is going to implement this pilot project in the coming months in the Community.

The insulating crossarms can be installed live, without the need to disconnect the lines, and therefore without any interruption to customer service. Another advantage of this solution is that it makes it easier to carry out line checks and maintenance, which not only improves the quality of power supply, but also enhances the safety of the workers who maintain our electrical infrastructure.