Transmission Capacity Upgrade on the Hernani–Argia Interconnection

A Crane-Free, Conductor-Agnostic Tower Raising Project in Northern Spain

Ampjack successfully supported a major transmission capacity upgrade on the Hernani–Argia electrical interconnection between Spain and France, a strategically important cross-border power corridor that has been in continuous service since 1971. The objective of the project was to increase the transport capacity of the line from 1,600 MVA to 2,100 MVA without constructing new transmission infrastructure.

To achieve this, the utility selected a solution that combined advanced conductor replacement with in-place raising of existing lattice towers. Using the Ampjack® hydraulic tower raising system, select structures were safely elevated to restore clearance and accommodate higher-capacity conductors. The overall construction scope extended across approximately 25 kilometers of transmission line on the Spanish side of the border and was completed in roughly two months.

This project now serves as a proven European reference for modern, low-impact transmission upgrades.

Raising Existing Towers Without Cranes or New Access Roads

Rather than relying on legacy crane-based methods that require large work zones, road construction, and heavy ground disturbance, the project adopted Ampjack’s crane-free, in-place tower raising methodology. Specialized transport vehicles delivered components directly to each structure, where local crews installed them under the guidance of Ampjack specialists.

This approach delivered several major advantages:

  • No large cranes or suspended loads

  • No permanent access roads or earthworks

  • Minimal environmental disturbance

  • Reduced mobilization time and cost

  • Safe operations within constrained corridors

By avoiding heavy equipment and extensive site preparation, the project minimized its footprint in environmentally sensitive areas and along developed corridors.

Conductor-Agnostic Design Enables Simultaneous Capacity Upgrades

A key driver of this project was increasing transmission capacity without expanding the right-of-way. Ampjack’s conductor-agnostic tower raising system made it possible to pair structural height increases with the installation of next-generation high-capacity conductors designed for higher operating temperatures and reduced thermal sag.This dual upgrade strategy allowed the utility to:
  • Restore and increase clearance
  • Increase line ampacity
  • Improve thermal performance
  • Extend asset life without replacing towers
Instead of building new structures, the utility unlocked additional capacity from its existing infrastructure, a result that aligns directly with Europe’s accelerating grid expansion needs.

Local Labor, Remote Expertise, and Scalable Deployment

One of the most valuable outcomes of this project was the successful integration of local utility crews with Ampjack’s remote engineering and field support model. While Ampjack provided specialist oversight, engineering coordination, and lifting system expertise, the majority of field labor was performed by local Spanish construction teams.

This model offers European utilities several strategic advantages:

  • No need to import large foreign crews

  • Faster mobilization using existing workforce

  • Lower project cost and reduced logistics

  • Local compliance with safety and labor standards

  • Seamless knowledge transfer to regional teams

The result is a repeatable, scalable deployment framework that can be applied across multiple countries and grid operators.

A Blueprint for European Transmission Modernization

This project demonstrates how European utilities can increase transmission capacity without new right-of-way acquisition, without long outages, and without the risks of crane-dependent construction. By combining tower raising with conductor upgrades, the Hernani–Argia project achieved a substantial capacity increase while preserving the existing corridor and minimizing environmental impact.

It now stands as a clear reference for:

  • Cross-border interconnection upgrades

  • Capacity expansion within existing ROW

  • Environmentally sensitive transmission projects

  • Accelerated modernization timelines

  • Future-ready grid reinforcement strategies

For more information about AMPJACK® Energized Tower Raising, please visit www.ampjack.ca/ampjack-tower-raising or contact us.

Contact:

Mike Haight, Director of Business Development
Ampjack Industries Ltd.
www.ampjack.ca
info@ampjack.ca
973-809-3207

About Ampjack Industries Ltd.

Ampjack Industries Ltd. is an engineering venture dedicated to developing and utilizing advanced transmission line procedures, tools, and technologies, providing comprehensive solution systems to utility and transmission line owners worldwide. Our sustainable solutions cater to clients seeking innovative, cost-effective, and safe transmission line upgrade options that we continuously strive to improve. With a team of highly experienced engineers specializing in new and upgrade design, structure raising, mid-span structure placement, reconductoring, and more, Ampjack delivers practical and reliable solutions for challenging projects. Our operations team offers specialized turnkey transmission line upgrade and maintenance services, from initial inspection to final repair or upgrade. Ampjack’s commitment to excellence ensures the most economical and efficient solutions for our clients, making us a sought-after partner in the industry. For more information, visit www.ampjack.ca