Canary Islands Approves Expansion of Salinas Substation to Boost Renewable Energy Supply
Canary Islands Salinas 66 kV Substation Expansion
Overview
On August 8, 2025, the Canary Islands government authorized the expansion of the Salinas 66 kV substation, a key move to enhance energy infrastructure and support renewable energy integration. Red Eléctrica de España proposed the project, which involves adding a new GIS configuration and increasing capacity to better support local distribution and transportation of electricity.
This project’s approval signals a significant step towards improving energy reliability and reducing reliance on outdated facilities, such as the old central in El Charco, which is slated for decommissioning as part of broader urban planning efforts.
Public Consultation & Government Approval
Public consultation processes took place in August and September 2024, with some local authorities raising concerns about the project’s compatibility with current urban plans. Despite these, the central government declared the project of general interest in March 2025, emphasizing its importance for energy security and aligning with national energy development plans.
Requirements & Conditions
The approval includes a series of requirements for the developer, such as:
- Establishing guarantees before construction begins
- Adhering to technical and safety regulations
It also obliges the company to modify local urban plans, as the project conflicts with existing municipal land use policies.
Significance
Overall, this expansion reinforces the islands’ commitment to upgrading their electrical infrastructure, enhancing energy stability, and supporting sustainable growth amid ongoing urban development challenges.
"The project is of general interest, vital for energy security and aligns with our national energy strategies," an official stated.