Approval of Emergency Power Plant in Fuerteventura

Project Overview

• The Spanish government has officially approved the construction of an 18 MW emergency power plant in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura.
• This project is a key response to the ongoing energy crisis in the Canary Islands.
• It is promoted by Sampol I. y O. Canarias, S.L.
• The aim is to quickly boost electricity supply on the island, which faces urgent energy needs.

Technical Details

• The installation will feature ten diesel generators, each rated at 2,295 kVA.
• These generators will be connected via transformers and high-voltage lines.
• The design allows for rapid deployment and reliable operation.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

Authorities have emphasized that the project won't harm environmentally protected areas and aligns with local development plans.

• Both the local insular council and Puerto del Rosario's town hall confirmed the project complies with existing land use regulations.
• Minor modifications to urban planning are pending.

Environmental Assessment and Legal Procedures

• The decision follows a detailed environmental assessment which concluded that:
  • The plant would not cause significant environmental harm, provided it is managed under strict oversight.
• The move aligns with the broader emergency declaration made in October 2023, addressing short-term power supply vulnerabilities.
• The government invoked a special legal procedure bypassing some planning hurdles, recognizing the project's importance for energy security.

Construction and Future Plans

• The approval allows immediate construction.
• Future adjustments to urban plans will follow later.

Summary

This initiative highlights the urgency of stabilizing electricity supply in the Canary Islands amid ongoing energy tensions, emphasizing rapid deployment and regulatory flexibility to address critical energy needs.