The Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) has taken a further step to enhance the energy security in the Canary Islands with the approval of a ministerial order that extends financial support for extraordinary measures to ensure the electricity supply in the archipelago.
This decision, soon to be published in the Official State Bulletin, recognizes costs for 137.8 megawatts (MW) of manageable capacity in Gran Canaria, which represents an increase of 87 MW compared to the previous order issued in May. The recognized capacities for Tenerife (71.6 MW) and Fuerteventura (32.8 MW) remain unchanged.
Response to urgent operational needs
Third Vice President and Minister for Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen, emphasized that this update “advances our efforts to ensure supply security in the Canary Islands” and that the Spanish government “strengthens funding for emergency measures in Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura.”
The expansion is not starting from zero but complements the order approved in 2024, incorporating additional measures and greater guarantees for all involved parties, according to the needs identified by Red Eléctrica de España (REE) as the system operator.
The proposal was processed in just three months, following the Canary Islands government’s request for expansion on May 5, with reports and assessments from the regional government, REE, and the National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC).
Economic coverage and timeline
The order covers the costs of these measures for an initial period of three years, extendable if maintaining them remains necessary to ensure supply stability.
It includes technical improvements to adapt solutions to the specific realities of each island, optimizing the installation and operation of energy backup systems.
A reinforcement that coexists with the energy transition
Aagesen recalled that this action does not replace but complements the decarbonization and modernization strategies for energy generation in the Canary Islands. Among these are:
- The specific program of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (PRTR) to advance towards islands powered 100% with renewable energy.
- The modernization plan for generation facilities.
- Investments in networks in the so-called Green Islands.
- The energy transition plan to incorporate more renewables and storage.
This balance between supply security and the energy transition is crucial for a territory not interconnected with the mainland, where electrical systems are more vulnerable to demand fluctuations, failures, or extreme weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the Canary Islands need extraordinary electricity supply measures?
Because of its status as an isolated and non-interconnected electrical system, making it more vulnerable to outages and demand spikes.What does “manageable capacity” mean?
It is the ability to activate electricity generation on demand to ensure system stability, especially in critical situations.Who funds these measures?
MITECO recognizes and covers the costs associated with these backup installations, ensuring their operational viability.Are these measures compatible with the goal of achieving 100% renewable islands?
Yes, as they act as temporary backup while progress is made in integrating renewable energies and storage systems.
via: miteco.gob.es