Growing Support for Relocation of Emergency Power Generation Facilities in Telde and Los Realejos

The Canary Islands are currently experiencing a notable movement advocating for the relocation of emergency power generation facilities situated in Telde and Los Realejos. This initiative has gained momentum largely due to rising concerns among local residents regarding the safety and environmental implications of these installations.

Residents Voice Their Concerns

The Parliamentary Committee on Ecological Transition has recently endorsed a non-legislative motion put forth by the Socialist Group. This motion calls upon the Government of the Canary Islands to reevaluate the proposed locations for the emergency power plants. The committee’s deliberations have underscored the potential adverse effects on the daily lives of residents living in close proximity to these facilities.

Alicia Vanoostende, the Socialist spokesperson on Ecological Transition, has been vocal about the existing inadequacies in the electricity system across the Canary Islands. These deficiencies have necessitated an emergency tender aimed at enhancing generation capacity in key areas such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura. While Vanoostende acknowledges the importance of these power plants in addressing energy needs, she firmly believes that their locations should not jeopardize the safety and well-being of the local populace.

Overview of the Proposed Power Plants

The proposed installations in Los Realejos and Telde are set to feature eight modular gas-powered generator motors, boasting a combined capacity of 14.8 MW. Additionally, the plans include storage tanks, loading facilities, electrical substations, and various auxiliary systems. In Los Realejos, the site is alarmingly located just 35 meters from residential homes, raising significant safety concerns among the community. Vanoostende has openly questioned the rationale behind situating pressurized gas storage tanks in such close proximity to populated areas.

In Telde, the proposed facility is earmarked for protected rural land and is situated near the coastal neighborhood of Salinetas, a mere 200 meters from residential properties. The inclusion of a 1,000 m³ propane storage sphere has also sparked debate regarding its technical justification and safety measures.

Local Opposition and Community Mobilization

Local opposition to the proposed power plants has been both vocal and organized, with residents expressing feelings of neglect by the Government of the Canary Islands. Vanoostende pointed out that many citizens were taken by surprise upon learning about the plans for the power plants, prompting them to mobilize and advocate for their interests against what they perceive as an unresponsive administration.

Both municipal councils of Los Realejos and Telde have formally expressed their disapproval through motions and objections, reflecting a broader social and political outcry for a safe and healthy living environment. This grassroots movement has galvanized community members to stand united in their demand for a reconsideration of the proposed sites.

Seeking Safer Alternatives for Energy Generation

The Socialist Group is actively advocating for the relocation of these power plants to designated industrial zones, where they would pose significantly fewer risks to the surrounding population. In addition to this, they are exploring alternative solutions such as the implementation of storage batteries, which can provide reliable emergency power without the associated risks of emissions or potential explosions.

Vanoostende has expressed her gratitude for the support received from various parliamentary factions in the quest for a consensus on this pressing issue. She has urged all members of the regional assembly to empathize with the concerns of affected residents, questioning whether they would feel secure living in close proximity to pressurized gas storage tanks and the potential decline in property values that could ensue.

In her remarks, Vanoostende called upon the Government of the Canary Islands to adopt a balanced approach that not only enhances energy security but also prioritizes public health and safety. She firmly believes that the ecological transition should not come at the expense of the community’s well-being, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions that align with the values and needs of the residents.

Key points

• The Parliamentary Committee on Ecological Transition supports relocating emergency power plants in Telde and Los Realejos.
• Concerns have been raised about the proximity of these facilities to residential areas.
• Alicia Vanoostende leads the initiative, highlighting deficiencies in the electricity system.
• The planned facilities include gas-powered generators and storage tanks.
• Local councils have voiced opposition through formal motions.
• The Socialist Group proposes relocating plants to industrial zones and exploring battery storage alternatives.
• Vanoostende emphasizes the need for a balanced solution that protects public health.