The Canary Islands Government, in collaboration with the Sampol company, has inaugurated the emergency power generation plant at La Campana in Tenerife. This facility is designed “to strengthen the energy system of the archipelago against potential supply incidents,” according to a statement issued by the Canary Government on Friday.
Power Capacity and Functionality
The newly launched facility boasts an impressive installed capacity of 9 megawatts (MW) of manageable generation. This power plant is not just another addition to the energy landscape; it serves a critical role as a backup for the Tenerife-La Gomera electrical system, especially in light of the energy emergency declared in the Canary Islands. Notably, the plant will remain offline during normal operations and will only spring into action during emergency situations to prevent potential blackouts.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
Equipped with five state-of-the-art generator sets, the plant is designed with modern technology in mind. It features selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems aimed at minimizing emissions and noise, ensuring that it operates as cleanly and quietly as possible. Additionally, the facility includes specific equipment for seamless integration into the electrical distribution network, making it a vital component of the region’s energy infrastructure.
During the construction phase, around 50 professionals were involved, showcasing the project’s significance not just in terms of energy but also in job creation. The operation and maintenance of the facility are expected to generate 20 direct jobs and over a hundred indirect positions in the surrounding area. This plant is just the first in a series of infrastructures planned for Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria, all aimed at enhancing the capacity of the island’s electrical system.
Integration into the ATLANTE Project
This facility is also a key part of the ATLANTE project, developed by Sampol Canarias as a backup generation plan to ensure system stability during emergencies. The ATLANTE initiative includes four plants in total—three in Tenerife and one in Fuerteventura—of which two have already been constructed. This strategic approach aims to bolster the energy resilience of the archipelago, ensuring that residents have reliable access to electricity even in challenging circumstances.
Moreover, the initiative known as DRAGO is set to further increase electricity generation capacity in the Canary Islands. This ambitious plan anticipates the incorporation of five new plants in Tenerife and Fuerteventura, which will contribute an additional 258 MW to the region’s energy supply. Such developments are crucial for meeting the growing energy demands of the islands while also addressing environmental concerns.
Timeline of Development
The timeline for the construction of the emergency power plant is noteworthy. Work commenced in December 2024, with administrative authorization granted in September 2025. Remarkably, the facility became operational just before Christmas of the same year, following approximately 12 months of dedicated development. This swift turnaround highlights the commitment of both the Canary Islands Government and Sampol to enhance the region’s energy infrastructure.
The inauguration event was a significant occasion, attended by key figures including the Councillor for Ecological Transition and Energy of the Canary Government, Mariano Hernández Zapata; the CEO of Grupo Sampol, Carmen Sampol; the Government Delegate in the Canary Islands, Anselmo Pestana; the President of the Tenerife Cabildo, Rosa Dávila; and the Mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Manuel Bermúdez. Their presence underscores the importance of this project for the future of energy in the Canary Islands.
