Spanish Government Approves Emergency Power Plant in Tenerife

Project Overview

• The Spanish government has approved the construction of a new 9 MW emergency power plant in the La Campana industrial zone of Tenerife.
• This decision comes in response to urgent energy needs and aims to bolster electricity supply on the island, which faces a short-term risk of coverage shortages.
• The project involves installing five diesel-powered generators that will connect to Tenerife's distribution network, providing much-needed additional energy.

Planning and Environmental Hurdles

• The approval process revealed significant planning and environmental hurdles.
• The project's initial location faced disapproval from the island's planning authority due to conflicts with existing urban, environmental, and infrastructural plans, including:
  • The Metropolitan Road System
  • The El Chorrillo industrial sector
• After submitting a revised location, authorities confirmed that the new site aligns better with regional planning regulations and environmental assessments.
• The project is classified under categories requiring simplified environmental evaluation, which confirmed no significant ecological impact.

Significance and Future Actions

• This emergency initiative highlights the critical situation in Tenerife's energy sector, emphasizing the need for rapid and flexible responses to prevent blackouts.
• The approval also mandates modifications to existing urban and territorial plans, ensuring future infrastructure projects align with regional development policies.
• The move underscores the government’s priority to secure a stable power supply for residents and businesses amid ongoing energy challenges.

"This emergency project is crucial to prevent potential blackouts and support Tenerife's energy needs during a critical period," said a government spokesperson.