Storage

Storage across the entire energy value chain is essential for the successful achievement of the ecological transition. The ability to store energy increases the flexibility and security of the electricity system, and makes it possible to maximise the integration of renewables and to make better use of the links between systems.

A vector for the future

On the one hand, renewable energy surpluses can be stored and then used when necessary, and on the other hand, new security elements can be integrated into the transmission grid.

We are currently making progress on two storage technologies: hydraulic pumping and batteries as an integrated element in the transmission grid to maximise the use of interconnections.

Hydraulic pumping
Batteries

Hydraulic pumping, which consists of two reservoirs at different heights, stores the potential energy of the water when it is held in the upper reservoir and is the most widespread storage technology in the world.

Storage is especially necessary in isolated systems to reduce their vulnerability and dependence, as well as to progress in their ecological transition.

In Gran Canaria, Red Eléctrica is developing the Salto de Chira pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant. Once it comes into service, Salto de Chira will be a valuable component of the electricity system and, therefore, it will be beneficial to all the people of Gran Canaria.

It will bring greater stability to the island's electricity system and reinforce its guarantee of supply. In addition, it will make it possible to harness the wealth of renewable resources available by integrating them in a reliable and efficient manner.

Salto de Chira Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant

Why we are involved in this project

Red Eléctrica is involved in this power plant project in compliance with the legal mandate which, in 2013, granted the system operator the ownership of new pumping facilities in non-mainland systems with the purpose of guaranteeing supply, system security and the integration of non-manageable renewables. This ownership has been endorsed by a decision adopted by the European Commission which reaffirms the existing national regulation.

The power plant in detail

Salto de Chira takes advantage of the existence of two large reservoirs in the southwest of Gran Canaria: the Chira and Soria dams to build a 200 MW pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant. This capacity represents just over a third of the island's peak demand. Additionally, the project includes a seawater desalination plant and the associated marine works, as well as the necessary installations for connection to the transmission grid to be able to send this energy to Gran Canaria's electricity system.

200

of power in turbine mode

220

of power in pump mode

3.6

GWh

of storage capacity

2.7

water produced annually

How will it work?

The plant will use the renewable energy that is not consumed on the island at peak generation times to pump desalinated water to the Chira dam. There, it will remain stored until it is necessary to return it to the system via a waterfall to the Soria dam.

The desalination plant will guarantee the availability of water both for the operation of the power plant and for agriculture and livestock farming, as well as to fight fires and to support reforestation. A positive impact on the territory that will contribute to meeting the demographic challenge of the Arguineguín ravine.

Main Benefits

Increased guarantee of supply in Gran Canaria
by increasing the installed power and reinforcing the security of the electricity system, a fundamental element for an isolated and vulnerable system.

Increased energy independence cutting variable generation costs by reducing imports of fossil fuels, which are more expensive and polluting.

Increased integration of renewable energies by having
an essential facility for making use of surplus renewable energies and incorporating a greater amount of locally produced energy.

Increased economic and social development:
the project will create over 3,500 jobs in Gran Canaria.

Cutting-edge technology

Salto de Chira is an innovative power plant that puts Gran Canaria at the forefront of hydraulic technological innovation.

Its design has been patented by the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office due to the technological innovation it introduces for the flexible storage of energy and the safe integration of renewables into electricity systems.

Specifically, its design provides the plant with the capacity to regulate and control power throughout its operating range, from the maximum in turbine mode to the minimum in pumping mode, on a continuous basis.

Environmental and social awareness

Salto de Chira stores and generates energy in an environmentally friendly way. The plant has been designed in strict compliance with current regulations, ensuring maximum environmental and social responsibility.

Integration into the environment is guaranteed and the visual impact of the infrastructures is reduced to a minimum: 91% of the infrastructures are underground. By taking advantage of existing dams, this project will guarantee the protection of the environmental, landscape and ethnographic values of the Barranco de Arguineguín ravine. It protects the heritage and enhances the landscape and habitats on the area. Salto de Chira is compatible with the ecosystem of its surroundings and of the Barranco de Arguineguín ravine, and protects the Nublo II special conservation area, located in the area of the dams. The works will be also used to carry out an environmental restoration plan aimed not only at offsetting the impacts of the works but also at eliminating invasive flora and improving the current state of conservation of the area.

Find out more

Visit the Salto de Chira website for more information about the project.

More information

Fully integrated storage in the transmission grid represents a groundbreaking approach to optimise the use of existing interconnections, making the most of the capacity of the current grid and improving the security of supply.

The 2021-2026 Network Development Plan projects a total of 140 MW of batteries to be located in Ibiza and Menorca.

Access to the 2021-26 Network Development Plan

The latest on storage

News

EIB approves a €300 million loan to Red Eléctrica for the construction of Salto de Chira hydroelectric power plant in the Canary Islands

Red Eléctrica expands the information it publishes on grid access and connection status, and includes new technologies such as batteries and hybridization

Red Eléctrica has been endorsed as owner of the Salto de Chira power station by the European Commission

Electricity system data

Examine the primary metrics and utilise graphs and comparisons to assess and understand the trends within the Spanish electricity system.