Tenerife Begins Land Expropriation for €18 Million Pocitos Wind Farm

The Canary Islands’ energy transition has reached a new milestone with the Pocitos wind farm project. According to the Official State Gazette (BOE), the project has officially begun the land acquisition process. Following a declaration of public utility by the regional government, 47 plots of land across the Tenerife municipalities of Granadilla de Abona and Arico are being expropriated. The Cabildo de Tenerife is directly involved, as it owns 20 of the required plots.

Developed by Sistemas Energéticos Ladera Negra SAU, the wind farm is situated in a prime location between the Barranco del Río and the Environmental Complex, chosen for its strong wind resources. The project represents an investment of over 18 million euros and will feature six Gamesa G-132 wind turbines. Each turbine has a capacity of 3.4 megawatts, providing a total installed capacity of 20.79 megawatts. Standing 84 meters tall with a rotor diameter of 132 meters, the turbines will connect to the Abona substation via underground power lines.

First announced in 2022, the Pocitos project is a key part of the archipelago’s plan to move away from fossil fuels. Because the Canary Islands rely on an isolated electrical system, projects like this are vital for meeting climate goals set by both the European Union and the regional government. The current phase includes both land acquisition and the necessary upgrades to the local power grid to ensure the wind farm can connect safely and effectively.

Once operational, the Pocitos wind farm will be a significant addition to Tenerife’s renewable energy infrastructure. By increasing clean energy production, the island can better address the energy challenges unique to its geography and move toward a more sustainable and efficient power model.