Tenerife Launches €33 Million Plan to Modernize Güímar Valley Power Grid
The regional government of Tenerife has launched a public consultation for a €33 million electrical infrastructure project in the Güímar Valley, featuring a new substation designed to stabilize the grid and support a future pumped-storage hydroelectric plant.
Plans to modernize the energy system in southeastern Tenerife have reached a key administrative milestone. According to Diario de Avisos, the regional government has opened the public consultation process for four projects aimed at expanding electrical infrastructure in the Güímar Valley, with a total investment of over 33 million euros.
The centerpiece of this plan is the new Las Rosas substation. This 220/66 kV facility is vital for stabilizing the region's power supply. Beyond its immediate technical role, the substation is designed to act as a connection point for a planned pumped-storage hydroelectric plant. Projections suggest this plant could meet 33% of the island's electricity demand within the next twelve years.
The project, led by Red Eléctrica de España, involves a network of connections across Candelaria, Arafo, and Güímar. Key technical plans include a 220 kV underground transmission line starting in Las Caletillas, as well as a mix of overhead and underground 66 kV lines to connect the local industrial estate with Arico.
Alejandro González, manager of the Official College of Industrial Engineers of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, emphasized the importance of these upgrades for the system's reliability. Currently, the island’s energy generation is highly concentrated in specific areas, such as the Granadilla thermal power plant and various southern wind and solar farms. A stronger transmission network is essential to bridge the gap between where energy is produced and where it is consumed.
Experts argue that "meshing" the grid—creating a more interconnected structure—is the best way to ensure a resilient power supply. Relying on single transmission lines creates operational risks if an incident occurs. By transforming electrical voltage near industrial and urban centers, the project aims to prevent bottlenecks and ensure a steady, reliable power supply for this growing region.