Red Eléctrica, the Spanish Transmission System Operator, selected ECOncrete’s nature-inclusive cable protection to stabilize and protect a new interconnector cable in a rock-reef trench in an environmentally sensitive area. Restoring the reef habitat and supporting marine biodiversity was required to minimize the environmental impact.

The Project

ECOncrete designed and delivered a customized trench block cable protection for this application. The blocks were cast with ECOncrete’s bio-enhancing admixture and installed in May 2022 to protect the new interconnector cable between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Periodical monitoring results showed rapid colonization with a wealth of native species and integration into the surrounding rock reef environment.

Monitoring Results

21 months after installation, the biological monitoring results are in:

  • Promoted algal colonization, serving as attractants for diverse benthic species and small fish.
  • Demonstrated analogy with adjacent natural reef habitats.
  • Showed high biodiversity value, with more organisms and greater species diversity compared to nearby natural reefs.

Takeaways

The units promote a healthy and stable ecosystem, showing significant potential to integrate into marine environments effectively. This project highlights the synergy between infrastructure and ecological restoration, advancing sustainable marine practices.

For further insights into the success of our nature-inclusive cable protection solution and the detailed monitoring findings, download the full case study, available in both English and Spanish below.