Emergency Power Plant Authorization in Canary Islands

Project Details

• The Spanish Canary Islands government has officially authorized the installation of a 9 MW emergency power plant in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• The project is led by Sampol I. y O. Canarias.
• It involves setting up five diesel generator groups, each with a capacity of 2,295 kVA.
• The plant is intended solely for emergency use to bolster the island's fragile electricity supply.

Response to Energy Emergency

The measure responds to urgent reports highlighting the vulnerability of the Canary Islands' electrical system, particularly due to rising demand and limited energy resources.

• The government declared a state of energy emergency in October 2023, prompting temporary solutions like this emergency plant to ensure continuous power.

Environmental and Urban Planning Considerations

• Despite concerns from local entities criticizing the project’s environmental impact and urban planning compatibility, authorities confirmed:
  • The installation will be on suitable industrial land.
  • Several technical and environmental conditions will be implemented to mitigate risks, including:
    • Specific safety measures
    • Impact monitoring
    • Adherence to environmental standards

Urban and Operational Adjustments

• The authorization also involves modifying local urban plans due to the project’s urgent nature and strategic importance.
• The plant's operation is limited to three years, with a possibility of extension.
• It will only be dispatched during genuine supply risks.

Overall Significance

• This project underscores the government’s focus on swift, temporary solutions to maintain energy stability while developing longer-term renewable strategies.