A “strategic” infrastructure for the electrical system of Tenerife, serving as the underwater connectivity point with La Gomera.
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 9th Jan (EUROPA PRESS) – The construction of the new Chío 66 kV substation, located in Guía de Isora, has now been completed, as announced this Thursday by Red Eléctrica, a subsidiary of Redeia which is responsible for electricity operations and transport in Spain.
This facility is deemed “strategic” for the electrical framework of Tenerife, functioning as the underwater link to the island of La Gomera, as highlighted by the company in its statement.
Red Eléctrica has invested 17.5 million euros in this project, representing a “significant milestone” in the enhancement and refurbishment of the transport network along the western side of Tenerife.
Furthermore, the initiative aims to bolster the quality and reliability of supply, as well as to encourage increased integration of renewable energy sources.
Additionally, this new system will aid in establishing a “more resilient” electrical network by connecting Tenerife with La Gomera.
The installation utilises GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) technology, allowing the substation to be integrated within a building, thereby minimising both the space required and its visual footprint.
This configuration, combined with the number of positions it accommodates and its unique equipment, empowers it to manage the submarine link safely and positions it as one of the most vital substations on the island.
Consequently, it serves as an interconnected hub that extends the network framework, enhances the security of the system in Tenerife, and once the interconnection is operational in 2025, it will further strengthen the reliability of the new electrical subsystem formed by the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera.
ADAPTATION TO THE ENVIRONMENT
The infrastructure has been meticulously designed to blend seamlessly with the local environment and agricultural landscape.
Specifically, it mirrors the terraced structure on its exterior and integrates with the greenhouses found on neighbouring land.
It also adopts various colour schemes that reflect the volcanic heritage of the islands and their geological connections.
Incorporated into the 2021-2026 Electrical Energy Transport Network Development Plan, this represents the first of the completed infrastructures within the set aimed at facilitating the underwater electrical interconnection, which also includes a new substation in El Palmar de La Gomera and the requisite land transport lines, alongside the underwater-submarine electrical transport line linking both islands.
This 66 kV double-circuit underground-submarine line, capable of transporting 50 MVA per circuit, consists of an underwater segment that is approximately 36 km long, reaching a maximum depth of 1,145 m, along with two land sections on La Gomera and Tenerife.
Its completion is anticipated by the end of 2025, and with this new connection, La Gomera will be able to produce and integrate renewable energy exceeding the island’s total demand, thereby reducing reliance on the El Palmar Thermal Power Plant and enhancing the quality of the island’s energy supply.
On the flip side, the Tenerife system will have the capacity to accommodate the excess renewable generation from La Gomera, diminishing fossil fuel usage and aiding in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
