Vanoostende Highlights Local Opposition to Power Generation Projects in Gran Canaria and Tenerife
The Parliamentary Committee on Ecological Transition of the regional assembly has supported a non-legislative motion (NL) proposed by the Socialist Group. This motion urges the Government of the Canary Islands to reconsider the locations of the emergency power generation plants proposed in Telde (Gran Canaria) and Los Realejos (Tenerife). Concerns were raised regarding their proximity to residential areas and the impact they could have on daily life.
The initiative was led by Socialist spokesperson on Ecological Transition, Alicia Vanoostende, who reminded that the Canary Islands’ electricity system suffers from significant deficiencies in both generation equipment and transport networks. This situation has prompted the regional government to initiate an emergency tender to enhance generation capacity in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura.
“We are all aware that these plants represent a necessary evil at a time of vulnerability for the island’s electrical system,” explained Vanoostende. “However, we cannot accept their installation in locations that jeopardise the safety, health, and peace of mind of local residents.”
Plants Too Close to Residential Areas
During her address, Vanoostende outlined the characteristics of the planned facilities. Both in Los Realejos and Telde, eight modular gas-powered generator motors are to be installed, totalling 14.8 MW, alongside storage tanks, loading facilities, electrical substations, and auxiliary systems.
In Los Realejos, the site comprises both rural and consolidated urban land, with a zoning plan that does not permit industrial use. Vanoostende highlighted the alarming proximity of these facilities to homes, just 35 metres away. “Who would agree to live knowing that pressurised gas storage tanks are located so close to their home?” she questioned.
Similarly, in Telde, the plant would be situated on protected rural land and near the coastal neighbourhood of Salinetas, a mere 200 metres from residences. The proposal also includes a propane storage sphere of 1,000 m³, the technical justification for which remains unclear.
Local and Municipal Opposition
The Socialist deputy condemned that citizens in both municipalities have “felt ignored by the Government of the Canary Islands, which failed to inform or involve them in decisions affecting directly their quality of life.” According to her, residents learned about the plans “by chance” and have had to organise themselves to defend their interests “against an administration that has not listened.”
Furthermore, she noted that alongside public discontent, the councils of Los Realejos and Telde have voiced their opposition through institutional motions and formal objections. “This is not an isolated complaint; it is a widespread social and political outcry in defence of the right to a safe and healthy environment.”
Cleaner and Safer Alternatives
In this context, the Socialist Group proposes that such plants be relocated to industrial-use zones where they would not pose risks or disturbances to the population. They also advocate exploring alternatives such as the use of storage batteries, which currently offer effective solutions in emergency situations without contaminating emissions or risks of fire or explosion.
The Socialist spokesperson thanked the willingness of the groups supporting the Government in seeking a consensual proposal endorsed by the majority of parliamentary factions.
She also called on the entire regional assembly to empathise with the affected citizens: “It is a matter of putting ourselves in the shoes of the residents. Would we feel safe living just metres away from a pressurised gas storage tank? Would we accept our property values plummeting and our health being put at risk?”
Vanoostende urged the Government of the Canary Islands to find a balanced solution that strengthens the Archipelago’s energy security without endangering its population. “The ecological transition must not come at the expense of anyone’s health or safety.”
