The Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (Miteco) has announced plans for 26 new electrical substation parks in the Canary Islands. This initiative, part of a broader electrical planning proposal for 2030, will also enhance existing facilities, create 452 kilometres of new power lines, and upgrade 26 kilometres of existing lines to bolster capacity and supply security.
The announcement follows a meeting between Joan Groizard, the Secretary of State for Energy, and Mariano Hernández Zapata, the Canaries’ Minister for Ecological Transition, to discuss amendments made in response to public feedback on the plan.
Miteco claims these changes will improve electrical system stability across the islands, electrify ports, and enhance access for homes and industries. Notably, plans include the construction of a future connection between Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura and the integration of the reversible hydroelectric plant in Güímar, Tenerife.
The ministry has reinforced its commitment to the community’s network, which is already significantly more robust than the mainland average. The proposal includes the addition of four new substations and 26 distribution network improvements.
New regulations set by the government this summer mandate specific enhancements to distribution networks in areas with above-average power interruptions, even if they meet existing standards.
Key projects highlighted include the installation of reactors and synchronous compensators to improve system stability, along with enhancements in La Palma and new north-south connections on Tenerife, as well as the Tías-Playa Blanca route in Lanzarote.
Overall, Miteco anticipates meeting an additional demand of 0.4 GW, primarily for port electrification and housing. The plan also allows for the integration of around 2.2 GW of renewable energy production.
Plans for the Gran Canaria-Fuerteventura connection will enable technical work and administrative processing to begin, alongside preparations for the hydroelectric plant in Güímar.
