Canary Islands Government Aims for Comprehensive Energy Solutions Across the Archipelago

The Government of the Canary Islands is gearing up to challenge the provisional award issued by the Ministry for Ecological Transition concerning the renovation of thermal power plants located in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to extend the renovation efforts to all islands within the archipelago, as confirmed by Minister for Ecological Transition and Energy, Mariano Hernández Zapata, during a recent meeting of the Government Council.

Ensuring Energy Stability Across All Islands

Minister Hernández Zapata highlighted the urgent need for a state tender that has been pending for an astonishing thirteen years. This tender is essential for establishing a robust electric supply system that encompasses not only the two most populated islands but also the less populated ones. The minister underscored that this comprehensive approach is vital for maintaining energy stability throughout the entire region, ensuring that all residents have access to reliable electricity.

Progress in Emergency Power Solutions on Fuerteventura

In addition to the planned renovations of thermal plants, the regional government has made notable strides in setting up a second emergency power generation facility in Fuerteventura. This provisional plant is specifically designed to mitigate the risk of blackouts that have arisen due to the current energy shortfall affecting the island.

The emergency facility will be operated by Sampol and is intended to activate only when there is a genuine threat of power outages. The Spanish Government will fully finance this project, which is projected to cost €23 million, thereby ensuring that the financial burden does not fall on the residents of the Canary Islands.

This initiative is part of a series of urgent measures implemented in response to the declaration of an energy emergency on October 2, 2023. The project has been developed in close collaboration with the Cabildo of Fuerteventura and the City Council of Puerto del Rosario, which have worked together to identify the most suitable location for the new plant.

Strengthening Energy Infrastructure in Critical Areas

The government is dedicated to reinforcing the electrical systems in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura, all of which are currently grappling with significant generation deficits. In addition to these efforts, there is a concerted push to advance the standard procedure for the state tender aimed at new electrical generation facilities.

A similar facility in the region, known as Mezque, received approval in September 2025 and will be managed by Disa. This plant is expected to boast a capacity of 15 MW, with an investment of €24.5 million, further contributing to the region’s energy needs.

Technical Details of the New Emergency Facility

The provisional plant located in La Herradura will be equipped with:

• Ten generating units, each with a capacity of 1.8 MW
• A total power output of 18 MW
• Equipment designed for rapid assembly and disassembly
• SCR systems for catalytic reduction to minimize emissions

To facilitate the efficient evacuation of electricity, an underground line approximately 170 meters long will be constructed to connect to Disa’s emergency plant. This connection will enable the joint transfer of energy to the Red Eléctrica de España (REE) transport substation located in Puerto del Rosario, enhancing the overall electrical infrastructure.

Tackling Fuerteventura’s Energy Shortage

Currently, Fuerteventura is facing a significant energy deficit of 50 MW, as reported by REE. The operation of the plants managed by Sampol and Disa is anticipated to provide an additional 33 MW, effectively addressing nearly 60% of the island’s current energy shortfall. This development is crucial for the residents and businesses that rely on a stable power supply.

Minister Hernández Zapata reiterated that these facilities are intended to be provisional, remaining operational only until the new power stations resulting from the state tender are completed. This transitional measure aims to bridge the gap while permanent solutions are being established, ensuring that the energy needs of the islands are met without interruption.

Key points

• The Canary Islands Government will contest a provisional award regarding thermal power plant renovations.
• The aim is to extend the renovation process to all islands in the archipelago.
• A second emergency power plant is being developed in Fuerteventura to prevent blackouts.
• The Spanish Government will fund the emergency plant, costing €23 million.
• The new facility in La Herradura will have a total output of 18 MW.
• Fuerteventura currently has a 50 MW energy deficit.
• The new plants are provisional until permanent solutions are established.