## Total Blackouts: A Growing Concern in the Canary Islands
Recently, a significant incident at the El Palmar thermal power plant in La Gomera plunged over 15,000 residents into darkness and disconnected them from mobile services. This case underscored the vulnerabilities inherent in the isolated electrical systems of the Canary Islands. However, the solution isn’t just in the skies above; it’s in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. By engineering an unprecedented “umbilical cord,” the islands are set to revolutionize their power supply.
### The End of Isolation
To improve energy security, Red Eléctrica de España (REE) has inaugurated an underwater interconnection between La Gomera and Tenerife. The project represents a monumental investment of €145 million for the cable itself, in addition to €32 million earmarked for substations in Chío (Tenerife) and El Palmar (La Gomera). This infrastructure is not merely an upgrade; it’s a critical response to the nine major blackouts—known as “energy zeros”—experienced since 2009.
### More Than Just Electricity
The newly implemented system transforms the energy landscape. No longer isolated, La Gomera and Tenerife now function as a unified network. In the event of failures in the rubber plant, both islands can easily share resources to maintain power supply, drastically reducing the risk of further blackouts. This innovation goes beyond reliability; it is pivotal for decarbonization efforts. La Gomera can now produce renewable energy surpassing local consumption, allowing surplus power to flow to Tenerife, which in turn reduces fossil fuel dependency.
### A Technical Marvel
Engineering challenges abound when connecting volcanic islands across abyssal trenches. Stretching 36 kilometers and plunging to 1,145 meters below sea level, this is the world’s deepest tripolar alternating current link, surpassing previous records set between Crete and the Peloponnese. To withstand immense underwater pressure, engineers employed a cutting-edge approach, favoring lightweight synthetic armor and ethylene-propylene rubber insulation over traditional materials.
### Environmental Considerations
Preserving coastal biodiversity during construction was essential. The “directed drilling” technique created an underground microtunnel for the cable to exit safely into the sea, hundreds of meters from the beach. Moreover, the design of the terrestrial substations, utilizing GIS (gas-insulated) technology, minimizes land use while blending the structures into the landscape by mimicking greenhouses and agricultural terraces.
### Future Infrastructure Plans
The connection between La Gomera and Tenerife represents just the beginning. Plans are underway to link Fuerteventura with Gran Canaria, a more challenging endeavor due to the greater distance involved. Alongside advancements in electrical infrastructure, telecommunications in the Canary Islands are also set for significant upgrades. The BASE 6 project aims to establish a 328-kilometer fiber-optic cable connecting Tenerife with El Hierro, ensuring high-speed internet access vital for education and telemedicine.
### The Broader Picture
The Canary Islands serve as a strategic hub for global telecommunications, surrounded by historical fiber rings and international connections. However, geopolitical tensions loom, particularly concerning the extension of the Canalink network to Africa. A project funded by European resources aims to connect to Tarfaya, Morocco, but may exacerbate diplomatic tensions surrounding Western Sahara.
### Overcoming Geographic Isolation
Deep beneath the waves, where sunlight fades and pressure mounts, the connection between La Gomera and Tenerife signifies a transformative moment for the Canary Islands. By addressing their historical challenges of fragmentation and isolation, the archipelago emerges as a showcase of technological innovation. Transitioning from traditional power systems, the islands are paving the way for a greener, more interconnected future.