Chira-Soria Pumped Storage Power Plant: Progress and Challenges for Gran Canaria

The planned Chira-Soria pumped storage power plant on Gran Canaria is one of the most significant energy projects in the Canary Islands and is considered a key component in the strategy to promote renewable energies. It is an ambitious project that brings both opportunities and challenges. In this
blog post, we take a closer look at the advantages and ecological impact of this project.

What is the Chira-Soria Pumped Storage Power Plant?

The Chira-Soria project uses two existing reservoirs - the higher Chira reservoir and the lower Soria reservoir - to store and generate energy. The basic idea is to store excess energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar power. This energy is used to pump water from Soria to Chira when demand is low. When energy demand increases, the water is released back through turbines to generate electricity. The power plant is expected to provide a capacity of approximately 200 megawatts (MW), which will make a significant contribution to the stability of the island's grid. Overall, the pumped storage power plant is expected to have a storage capacity of over 3.5 GWh.

ProjectAdvantages

One of the biggest advantages of the Chira-Soria pumped storage power plant is its ability to efficiently store renewable energy. Since the production of wind and solar energy is highly dependent on weather conditions and therefore fluctuates, a storage solution like this is crucial. By being able to store energy, Gran Canaria can make greater use of renewable energy sources while ensuring a stable power supply.

Another advantage is grid stabilization. The pumped storage power plant will help to absorb peak loads and thus increase the reliability of the power grid. This is particularly important for an island like Gran Canaria, which relies on an independent energy system and cannot simply rely on the mainland grid.

Ecological Impact and Challenges

Despite the many advantages, the project is not without criticism. The construction of the pumped storage power plant will take place in a sensitive ecological zone, raising concerns about its environmental impact. The intervention in the natural landscape, particularly in an area known for its beauty and biodiversity, has led to protests and concerns among environmentalists. Another critical point is water consumption. Although the plant is designed to reuse the same water repeatedly, initial operation requires a large amount of water, which can be problematic in a region that frequently suffers from water scarcity.

Costs and Schedule

The construction of the Chira-Soria pumped storage power plant is estimated to cost around 400 million euros. This budget includes the construction costs for the necessary infrastructure, the installation of turbines and pumps, and the expansion and reinforcement of the power grid to accommodate the new capacity.
Construction of the power plant officially began in 2022, following several years of planning and preparation. The plant was originally scheduled to be operational by 2026. However, due to various challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles and environmental impacts, delays may occur.

Conclusion

The Chira-Soria pumped storage power plant is undoubtedly a milestone for the energy transition on Gran Canaria. It offers the possibility of significantly increasing the use of renewable energies while improving grid stability. However, the ecological impacts and associated challenges must not be overlooked. Decision-makers must ensure that the project is carried out with consideration for the environment and that appropriate measures are taken to protect the island's natural resources. If successful, Chira-Soria could serve as a model for how a sustainable energy future can be shaped, not only for Gran Canaria but also for other regions.