SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 2 Jan. (EUROPA PRESS) –
A few days ago, the e-Distribución team, the subsidiary of Redes Endesa, completed the first major work on the medium voltage system of La Palma, a moment that represents the first milestone in the reconstruction of the double ring on the Island. The project, which is already fully operational, involved the recomposition of the so-called La Laguna-Cruz Chica line, with a kilometer and a half of performance.
The budget for the work in La Laguna amounted to 600,000 euros, a small part of the 11 million euros that Endesa has calculated will cost the reconstruction of the island’s power lines seriously damaged by the volcano. As reported by the company, Endesa’s technicians have had to overcome many inconveniences before executing this first work, since they have had to wait almost a year for the administrations to decide on the new layout of the roads on the island, a layout that It also marks the path of power lines.
Another drawback has been the earth’s crust of La Palma, which continues to record high temperatures. In this sense, Endesa has had to implement pioneering projects to date to carry out the works saving the new wiring from this global warming that scientists do not dare predict when it will subside. Therefore, the reconstruction plan for the electrical system of La Palma is being a challenge and an unprecedented performance worldwide for the Enel parent company, through its Endesa partners, says the company.
UNDERGROUND LAYOUT
One of the novelties of this work is that its layout runs underground, like the 44 kilometers of the rest of the lines that will complete the famous ring closure of La Palma. Before the eruption the different lines had an aerial installation.
The plan to recompose the medium voltage electrical system that Endesa is developing after the volcano will offer a barely perceptible visual impact and be kinder to the landscape. The reconstruction contemplates five medium voltage works located in different parts of the Island, of which four will have an underground intervention and only one will remain aerial, since it will consist of replacing the old wiring damaged by the effects of the eruption. Several of these projects are already being carried out and the company anticipates that the reconstruction plan will be practically completed in the last quarter of 2023.
The Endesa company approaches the execution of the works trying to cause the least possible inconvenience to palmers. In fact, it increases the number of operators in certain actions to shorten the supply cut-off times derived from the installation works of the new power line.
OTHER PERFORMANCES
Since the regional authorities decreed the cessation of the volcanic eruption in December 2021, the company has launched a plan to rebuild the electrical system on the Island and, in addition, incorporated urgent and provisional measures to guarantee supply in the most affected. Among these actions was the commissioning of the mobile power plants in Los Llanos de Aridane, with the capacity to supply 9 MW, and Las Manchas, with power for 4 MW.
During the three months that the eruption lasted, the e-Distribución staff was very aware of the course of the lava flows, acting before they reached the towers to avoid short circuits and supply problems.
Another of the measures to try to alleviate the serious economic situation suffered by the palmeros resulted in the reduction of the electricity bill for affected customers during the first year, the deferral of payments and special measures for users whose homes were seriously damaged. damaged.
The volcano swept away 130 kilometers of power lines, 85 medium-voltage pylons, 1,500 low-voltage wooden poles and 19 Endesa-owned distribution centers. 2023 will be the year to grow in the electrical reconstruction of La Palma and the end of that year will coincide with the inauguration of the new double ring.
