A Study of Energy Production in Gran Canaria with a Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage Plant (PHES)

Abstract

The Canary Archipelago, in general, and the island of Gran Canaria, in particular, operate with an independent energy system (SIE), which depends largely on local power generation. Today, its energy supply comes mainly from two sources: (a) Renewable energy, accounting for 19.90%, and (b) Fossil fuel combustion in thermal power plants, contributing the remaining 80.10%. The existing energy infrastructure faces challenges due to aging technology, requiring either modernization or replacement to prevent a potential energy crisis and ensure a sustainable production cycle. A transformative step to improve the system is the completion and commissioning in 2030 of the Chira-Soria pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES) plant. This installation will allow water to be transported to high altitudes by pumping, to be deposited until the right time and to be turbined to generate electricity in optimal conditions. To fully understand the impact of this integration, detailed analyses of annual energy production patterns, equipment performance, and real-time demand data (collected at five-minute intervals) will be conducted. These assessments will provide insights into how the Chira-Soria PHES can be seamlessly integrated into Gran Canaria’s energy network. Furthermore, they will help identify both the strengths and limitations of this storage solution, paving the way for a more resilient and efficient energy future for the island