Vanoostende highlights local and municipal opposition to projects in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, urging the Canary Government to seek suitable industrial land for their location
The parliamentary commission for Ecological Transition in the regional Chamber has backed a Non-Legislative Motion (NLM) put forward by the Socialist Group, urging the Canary Government to reconsider the sites for the emergency power generation plants planned in Telde (Gran Canaria) and Los Realejos (Tenerife). This is due to their proximity to residential areas and the impact they would have on residents’ daily lives.
The initiative was presented by the Socialist spokesperson for Ecological Transition, Alicia Vanoostende, who reminded members that the Canary Island’s electrical system “suffers from significant deficiencies in both generation equipment and transport networks,” prompting the regional Executive to launch an emergency tender to reinforce generation capacity in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura.
“We all recognise that these plants represent a necessary evil in a time of vulnerability for the island’s electrical system,” Vanoostende explained, “but we cannot accept their installation in locations that jeopardise the safety, health, and peace of residents.”
Plants Too Close to Homes
During her address, Vanoostende detailed the features of the proposed installations. Both in Los Realejos and Telde, eight modular engines powered by propane are planned, with a total capacity of 14.8 MW, along with storage tanks, loading bays, electrical substations, and auxiliary systems.
In the case of Los Realejos, the site combines rural and consolidated urban land, and the planning does not contemplate industrial use. For the Socialist representative, the most concerning factor is the proximity of homes, which are only 35 metres away. “Who would accept living knowing that pressure tanks filled with flammable gas are being constructed just that distance from their home?” she questioned.
In Telde, the situation is similar: the plant would be located on rural land designated for environmental protection, very close to the coastal neighbourhood of Salinetas, just 200 metres from residences. Additionally, it includes a 1,000 m³ propane storage sphere, the technical justification for which remains unclear.
Community and Municipal Opposition
The Socialist representative denounced that residents of both municipalities “have felt ignored by the Canary Government, which failed to inform them or involve them in decisions that directly affect their quality of life.” She explained that residents found out “by chance” and have had to organise themselves to defend their rights “against an administration that has not listened to them.”
Furthermore, she noted that alongside community opposition, the municipalities of Los Realejos and Telde have expressed their disagreement through institutional motions and formal objections. “We are not talking about an isolated demand, but rather a social and political clamour in defence of the right to a safe and healthy environment.”
Cleaner and Safer Alternatives
In this regard, the Socialist Group proposes that these plants be located in industrial areas, where they would pose no risks or inconveniences to the population. They also advocate studying alternatives such as energy storage batteries, which currently offer effective solutions in emergency situations without toxic emissions or fire or explosion risks.
The Socialist spokesperson expressed gratitude for the dialogue extended by groups supporting the Government in reaching a consensual proposal backed by the majority of parliamentary groups.
She also called on the entire regional Chamber to show empathy towards the affected citizens: “It is about putting ourselves in the shoes of the residents. Would we feel safe living mere metres away from a pressurised gas tank? Would we accept our property values plummeting and our health being at risk?”
Vanoostende urged the Canary Government to find a balanced solution that reinforces the Archipelago’s energy security without endangering its population. “The ecological transition cannot come at the expense of anyone’s health or safety.”
