Progress in Puerto del Rosario: License Granted for Decommissioning Gas Móvil 1
The recent decision by the Ayuntamiento de Puerto del Rosario to approve the urban planning license for Unión Eléctrica Canarias Generación, S.A.U. (commonly known as Endesa) marks a significant milestone in the efforts to decommission the Gas Móvil 1 unit at the Las Salinas Thermal Power Station. Situated in the El Charco neighborhood of Fuerteventura, this development is anticipated to usher in a new era for the local community and environment.
Quick Approval Amid Regulatory Requirements
The license, which was submitted in February, received a favorable outcome following the comprehensive technical and administrative documentation provided by Endesa. This included the necessary payment of municipal fees, demonstrating the company’s commitment to procedural compliance. Although there was a pending report from the Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea (AESA) regarding the required air traffic servitude for crane operations during decommissioning, the Ayuntamiento managed to expedite the approval process. They emphasized their swift action while ensuring that any construction work would commence only upon receipt of the aforementioned report.
A Symbolic Step Towards Environmental Transformation
The decommissioning project signals an essential move towards the eventual closure of the thermal facility. Remarkably, the area targeted for decommissioning represents a mere 1% of the total station’s surface area; however, local authorities regard it as a substantial step towards reshaping El Charco. The Ayuntamiento underscored this initiative as part of a broader commitment to revitalizing the urban landscape and improving the quality of life for residents.
Leadership’s Vision for a Sustainable Future
Puerto del Rosario’s mayor, David de Vera, articulated the administration’s long-term vision during a recent public address. He described this approval as a crucial initial step in the complete dismantlement of the thermal plant, reiterating a strong commitment to moving the facility outside the urban area. “We are dedicated to regenerating the El Charco zone,” declared de Vera, reflecting the administration’s proactive approach to community enhancement.
Preparations for a New Location
In support of this initiative, the Ayuntamiento has already allocated municipal land for the eventual relocation of the thermal installation to a more appropriate setting. This move aligns with the city council’s agreed-upon roadmap, designed to facilitate sustainable urban planning. Such foresight demonstrates the local government’s proactive engagement with both current and future community needs.
Commitment to Urban Rehabilitation
Mayor de Vera expressed a clear intention for Puerto del Rosario to evolve into a more livable, sustainable city devoid of outdated infrastructure. “This first dismantlement symbolizes the onset of a new chapter for the municipality,” he stated, emphasizing the supportive role of local governance in enhancing residential and environmental conditions.
By focusing on the strategic dismantlement of the Gas Móvil 1 unit, the Ayuntamiento de Puerto del Rosario aims to lay the groundwork for significant urban regeneration. As this process unfolds, it is indicative of broader movements towards sustainability and revitalization, ensuring that Fuerteventura transforms into a model of modern urban development.
