The port of Granadilla de Abona has witnessed a technological milestone for Canary Islands: the arrival of the cable-laying vessel Cable Enterprise, set to lay the submarine electrical cable connecting the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera. This project by Red Eléctrica is particularly significant; with a maximum depth of 1,145 metres, it will become the world’s deepest three-core alternating current cable. Its completion, expected by late 2025, marks a turning point in the energy future of the archipelago following the commencement of construction in 2023.
This interconnection, featuring a 36 km underwater section and two terrestrial stretches, aims to achieve two main objectives: to ensure greater stability and quality in the electricity supply for La Gomera and to facilitate massive integration of renewable energy into the grid. It is a key component in the islands’ decarbonisation strategy.
Strategic Importance
The scale of the project and its strategic importance were highlighted by leading political and business figures present during the vessel’s visit. The Regional Minister for Ecological Transition of the Canary Government, Mariano Hernández Zapata, described it as “a global milestone for the energy planning of the archipelago,” emphasising that such actions are vital to securing supply and meeting decarbonisation targets.
From Red Eléctrica, the representative in the Canaries, Ainara Irigoyen, confirmed that this connection represents “a huge advance in the energy transition” that will provide “greater quality and reliability of supply.” The installation poses a substantial engineering challenge, given the distance and depth involved.
Progress on the Project
The President of the Cabildo de La Gomera, Casimiro Curbelo, expressed satisfaction at the project’s progress. “This strategic infrastructure… is a long-awaited milestone and a significant step towards modernising our energy system,” he affirmed, highlighting that it will pave the way for a more sustainable and robust model for the island.
The arrival of the Cable Enterprise, a vessel from the Prysmian fleet capable of operating under adverse conditions and laying and burying cables simultaneously, underscores the magnitude of this operation. With a load capacity of up to 180 tonnes, it is ideally suited for one of the most complex undertakings in the Canary seabed.
Next Steps
The deployment of the first circuit on the seabed will commence at the end of August, departing from La Gomera. This project connects the substations of El Palmar (La Gomera) and Chío (Tenerife) and will operate at 66 kV, with a transport capacity of 50 MVA per circuit.
The Cable Enterprise vessel is now in the port of Granadilla to carry out a global milestone: the laying of the planet’s deepest three-core cable, which will connect Tenerife and La Gomera at depths of 1,145 metres below the sea.
— Ecological Transition and Energy (@EcologicaGobCan) August 20, 2025
