The Canary Islands Government has approved a major solar power plant in Arona, set to cover nearly five hectares of land with solar panels. With a budget exceeding €259,000, the project, promoted by Disa, will generate almost five megawatts of power and requires a medium-voltage line to connect to the grid. However, the proposed route runs through protected areas, raising concerns among various administrations.
The main issue involves the evacuation line, which is planned to traverse areas classified by the Tenerife Island Planning as Environmental Protection Zones, where such constructions are generally prohibited. The Tenerife Cabildo has expressed that this route does not align with island planning and has called for an alternative route to be studied, requesting a detailed assessment of the environmental and visual impact of the project.
Moreover, the proposed line affects a habitat containing native species like the tabaibal dulce and baleras, which are linked to the Llano Azul ravine. Consequently, Disa is required to enhance protection measures, ensuring sensitive areas are marked to prevent spills during construction.
The Cabildo also emphasized that the plant represents a loss of potential agricultural use for the land, which is being considered for a future Strategic Agricultural Reserve. Disa defended its use, stating the land has been unused for over thirty years and lacks an irrigation network, making it more suitable for solar energy production. However, concerns remain that an influx of solar projects could diminish land available for agricultural recovery.
Additionally, the Arona Town Hall has expressed reservations about the site’s location, identifying it as strategically important for the municipality’s future growth. They highlight the potential visual impact near residential areas and assert that they will advocate for the preservation of these lands.
Despite these disagreements, the project has found a pathway through regulatory hurdles. In January 2025, the Canary Islands Government declared the installation to be of general interest, later issuing a decree to modify existing planning to facilitate its execution, citing the necessity to advance renewable energy generation.
However, Disa is not yet able to start construction due to required environmental and technical assessments before the project can progress. This includes a specific section on compliance with the regulations governing solar and wind installations and a study of the site’s cultural values, including archaeological surveys to ensure no significant remnants are disturbed.
Further assessments will evaluate impacts on the common bustard, an endemic bird sensitive to habitat changes. Monitoring will ensure that the solar plant does not displace the species or affect its movements. Enhanced fencing to prevent collisions and controlled lighting is also needed to protect the birds.
Health officials have advised measures to reduce dust, noise, and vibration during construction, alongside monitoring electromagnetic fields near the evacuation line. Native flora affected by land movements should be preserved via relocation to nurseries for later reintroduction into unaffected areas. If all goes well, the Llano de los Bebederos I plant will feature 8,610 solar modules capable of harnessing sunlight from both sides, anchored to the ground.
