Government Brings Decision-Making Closer to Terres de l’Ebre

The Delegation of the Government in the Terres de l’Ebre held its first itinerant Council of Directors today in Salines, marking a shift towards decentralised governance and greater territorial visibility. The meeting, hosted at an emblematic site in the region, underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing local needs through direct engagement. Joan Castor Gonell, Government Delegate in the Terres de l’Ebre, said the location was symbolic:

“Holding this Council of Directors here in Salines means more than a gesture, it means bringing government to the territory, discussing transformative projects, and showing that important decisions for the country’s future are also made here.”

Key Infrastructure and Energy Projects Confirmed

The Council highlighted plans to reinforce the region’s electricity network, with the final version of the 2030 Electricity Planning framework now including the expansion of the Els Aubals substation in Ribera d’Ebre. This upgrade will ensure sufficient capacity for new energy storage installations and support major developments, including the planned AI Gigafactory in Móra la Nova. According to the Generalitat’s official statement, the expansion will also supply power to the region’s main green hydrogen backbone, advancing the energy transition. The project aligns with draft plans published by Redeia for 2030, which guarantee the necessary supply for the AI Gigafactory.

  • Expansion of Els Aubals substation to support 600 MW demand
  • Connection to the green hydrogen trunk network
  • Guaranteed electricity supply for AI Gigafactory in Móra la Nova

New University Hospital Project Declared of General Interest

At a Council of Ministers meeting on 22 September 2026, the Government declared the future University Hospital of the Terres de l’Ebre a project of general interest and strategic national importance. The hospital, planned for the Sant Llàtzer district of Tortosa, will replace the current Verge de la Cinta Hospital and serve over 190,000 residents. The declaration enables streamlined urban planning, environmental, and procurement procedures, accelerating the project’s timeline. It also grants priority access to grid connection permits, critical for a facility requiring high electrical capacity. The new hospital will function as an integrated health campus, uniting:

  • Reference healthcare services for the Terres de l’Ebre Health Region
  • Teaching and clinical training spaces linked to Universitat Rovira i Virgili
  • Research and innovation circuits tied to the Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Catalunya Sud and the Chair of Innovation and Clinical Simulation in Health

This integration aims to strengthen the region’s public health system, align health outcomes with the rest of Catalonia, and foster innovation in medical education and research.

€11.7 Million for New Secondary School in La Ràpita

The Government has approved €11.7 million for the construction of a new building for the Institut Els Alfacs in La Ràpita, under a collaboration agreement with the municipal council. The investment, to be deployed between 2030 and 2032, will address the needs of a school currently serving over 700 students. The facility provides compulsory secondary education, baccalaureate, vocational training, and integration programmes. The new infrastructure will improve educational access and capacity in the Montsià comarca, supporting long-term regional development. The project reflects the Government’s broader commitment to strengthening public services in the Terres de l’Ebre through targeted investments in energy, health, and education.

Primary sources: govern.cat. Reported by laciutat.cat, laplanaradio.cat, europapress.es, Maestrat TV, aguaita.cat, Redacció Ebredigital.cat, canalte.cat, ACN, diaridetarragona.com, elperiodico.cat, modernetdigital.cat, elmundo.es, diaricatalunya.cat, canal21ebre.com.