Canary Islands’ Energy Storage Projects Approval

Project Overview

• The Canary Islands’ government has officially approved a set of energy storage projects.
• These projects will pair new battery systems with existing wind farms on Gran Canaria.
• Promoted by the ECOENER group.
• Aim to enhance renewable energy management by storing excess power generated by turbines.
• Systems will be placed on previously altered agricultural land near active wind sites.
• The installations will be compact, underground, and integrated into the landscape to minimize visual impact.

Environmental Assessment

• Approval follows a comprehensive environmental assessment.
• Assessed impacts on flora, fauna, landscape, and surrounding communities.
• Experts highlighted the projects are located in already disturbed areas.
• Unlikely to cause significant environmental harm if proper safeguards are followed.
• Safeguards include noise control, wildlife protection, and landscape integration measures.

Conditions and Safeguards

• Strict management of dust, noise, electromagnetic fields, and accidental spills.
• Ongoing monitoring of wildlife and habitat impacts.
• Special attention to nearby protected species and local agricultural activities.
• Includes a critical habitat for the threatened Majorera goat breed.

Significance and Goals

• Projects are crucial for boosting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.
• Support the Canary Islands’ climate goals.
• Emphasize the importance of strictly implementing all environmental safeguards.
• Prioritize minimizing visual impacts and ensuring community safety.
• Contribute to a sustainable energy future for the region.

"The approval emphasizes the importance of minimizing visual impacts and ensuring community safety while contributing to a sustainable energy future for the region."