Red Eléctrica, through its Canary Islands subsidiary REINCAN, has launched a call for tenders for two important contracts for the Chira-Soria pumped-storage hydroelectric power station: the supply and construction of the seawater desalination plant and the engineering and supply of the main electro-mechanical equipment (powerhouse).  The objective is to provide the project with the most advanced technology and to adapt the planned award process deadlines to the scheduled start of the works which is foreseen to commence in the first part of 2021.

The Chira-Soria pumped-storage hydroelectric power station is an essential infrastructure to promote the energy transition and advance towards the sustainability of the new electricity model in the Canary Islands based on renewable energy. This energy storage facility is an effective tool for operating the electricity system in order to improve the guarantee of supply, the security of the system and the integration of renewable energy on the island of Gran Canaria.

The desalination plant and the powerhouse, which represent the main equipment of the hydroelectric pumped-storage power station, are elements not affected by whatever alternative is finally adopted in the Environmental Impact Statement for the overall project.

The desalination plant, which will be the first infrastructure to begin construction, will consist of a seawater desalination plant with three reverse osmosis racks and a design flow rate of 2.7 hm3/year (7,800 cubic metres per day) capable of producing the volume of water required for the operation of the hydroelectric power station.

The scope of the tendered works is aimed at the design, supply, construction and commissioning of the desalination plant, as well as the operation and maintenance services during the training phase.

The call for tenders for the power station's main electro-mechanical equipment also encompasses engineering, supply, technical assistance and commissioning of the equipment corresponding to the powerhouse.  Additionally, it includes the possibility of carrying out the maintenance of the equipment during the first years of operation.