Spain: Red Eléctrica, part of Redeia and operator of Spain’s transmission system, has begun laying the submarine cable that will interconnect Tenerife and La Gomera. Central to this project are two new substations – El Palmar on La Gomera and Chío on Tenerife – which will anchor the 36 km 66 kV underground-submarine line.
The Chío substation has already been commissioned, while El Palmar has recently been completed. Together, they will form the backbone of a double-circuit interconnection with a transmission capacity of 50 MVA per circuit. This infrastructure will secure supply on La Gomera, improve integration of renewable energy, and lower overall generation costs by linking the systems of the two islands.
Prysmian’s specialised vessel Cable Enterprise has started deploying the line off San Sebastián de La Gomera. The work, lasting about a month, begins with the first circuit to Punta Blanca in Tenerife, followed by the second. The full interconnection is expected to be operational by the end of the year.
At a depth of 1,145 m, this is the world’s deepest 66 kV three-pole AC submarine link. To address the environmental sensitivity of volcanic seabeds, directional drilling was employed. This technique allows the cable to enter the sea through a microtunnel, avoiding disruption to biodiversity in shallow waters.
Part of Spain’s 2021–2026 Electricity Transmission Grid Development Plan, the project not only represents a technical milestone but also a model of environmental care. By combining advanced substations with innovative cable technology, the interconnection will reinforce resilience and accelerate the Canary Islands’ energy transition.
Source: Strategic Energy
