Madrid, October 24, 2024.- The Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Service, Óscar López, visited today the headquarters of Redeia, a global operator of essential electricity and telecommunications services, and met with its President, Beatriz Sillo, and with its CEO, Roberto García Merino. During the visit, he was able to learn about the role of the company in the ecological transition and digital transformation of Spain.

In this sense, Sillo explained how since Reintel and Hispasat, Redeia plays a fundamental role in the field of telecommunications, contributing to the development of universal connectivity in our country. On the one hand, through the largest network of dark fibre optics; and on the other, through the satellite, taking Internet access where the fibre does not reach. The latter, through the Connect35 programme of the Spanish Government’s Transformation and Resilience Recovery Plan, which is being developed by Hispasat and which aims to reach 100% of the Spanish territory.

López and Sillo have agreed on the need to continue promoting telecommunications, so that digitization and connectivity are a true backbone, which contributes to reduce inequalities and promote the economic and social development of the territories.

The head of Digital Transformation has pointed out that the Conéctate 35 program provides “broadband service via satellite at an affordable price” and is “one of the most fundamental measures of the territory and support to the rural that the Government of Spain is carrying out”.

“Today in Spain, all households, wherever they live, have the possibility to access broadband. Of the countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Spain is the third country with the highest use of optical fibre, only behind South Korea and Japan. This position of leadership in digital connectivity is giving us an international competitive advantage that is decisive for attracting investment, increasing productivity in agricultural, industrial and tourist activities, but also for public administrations to improve the quality of the services we provide to citizens.”

For its part, Beatriz Corridor, wanted to highlight the need to undertake this digital transition “from sustainability” so that “it is a fair, universal, accessible and inclusive transition, which serves to correct inequalities and not to increase them”.

Regarding Redeia’s role within the electricity sector, López has seen how the electricity system is operated in real time from the Electrical Control Center (Cecoel), and how it is possible to integrate renewable energies into the system with maximum guarantee and safety. This work, which Red Energía, a company of Redeia, carries out through the Renewable Energy Control Center (Cecre), has allowed more than 55% of the generation to come from this type of sources so far this year.

The president of Redeia has detailed to the minister the work that Red Energía carries out in the reinforcement and development of the transport network through the execution of the current Planning. Both have agreed on the importance of having a robust and meshed system to guarantee a safe and quality supply that meets the new needs arising in the process of digital transformation and electrification of the economy.