Tenerife and La Gomera Power Grids Formally Synchronized via New Submarine Cable

Endesa and Red Eléctrica de España (REE) have reached a major technical milestone: the Tenerife and La Gomera power grids are now permanently synchronized. This connection, finalized this Tuesday at 11:02 a.m., marks a shift away from isolated island power systems toward a more reliable, interconnected grid.

This new infrastructure addresses the long-standing issue of fragility in the Canary Islands' power supply. By linking the two islands, they can now act as a backup for one another, sharing surplus energy if a local power plant fails. The connection, made via a double submarine cable between Tenerife’s Chío substation and the new El Palmar plant in La Gomera, improves supply security for over 15,600 users and makes it easier to integrate renewable energy.

Endesa’s grid division, e-distribución, invested over eight million euros to equip the El Palmar substation with modern technology. The 2,700-square-meter facility features two high-capacity transformers, with a design that allows for a third to be added if electricity demand grows in the future.

Following weeks of successful testing, the project is now fully operational. With official approval from Red Eléctrica de España, this submarine link will serve as a key tool for stabilizing the region's power supply and supporting the transition to cleaner energy.