Installation begins of pioneering underwater cable linking Tenerife and La Gomera
Work has officially begun on the installation of a new underwater electrical cable that will connect the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera, a project seen as a milestone for energy security and sustainability in the Canary Islands.
The Cable Enterprise, one of the most advanced cable-laying vessels in the world, started operations yesterday behind the port of San Sebastián de La Gomera. The ship will carry out the laying of the double-circuit link that will unite the two islands’ electrical systems.
A decisive step for La Gomera’s future
The president of the Cabildo of La Gomera, Casimiro Curbelo, described the start of works as “a decisive step for the island’s energy future,” highlighting that it is the result of years of cooperation between local, regional, and national authorities together with Red Eléctrica, the company leading the project.
“This interconnection will allow us to move towards a more sustainable model, capable of fully integrating renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and even making it possible for La Gomera to supply surplus energy to Tenerife,” he said.
Technical details of the project
The new double submarine circuit will link the recently completed El Palmar substation in La Gomera with the Chío substation in Tenerife. Each of the two circuits has a capacity of 50 MVA at 66 kV.
The cable itself will run for approximately 36 kilometres under the sea, reaching depths of up to 1,145 metres, making it the deepest alternating current underwater link of its kind anywhere in the world. Its design required specially reinforced materials to withstand such extreme conditions.
On land, microtunnel drilling techniques are being used to protect biodiversity and volcanic seabeds near the coast, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The route has also been carefully planned to safeguard landscapes, vegetation, and wildlife.
Timeline and benefits
The first circuit is currently being laid between La Gomera and Punta Blanca, Tenerife. Once complete, the Cable Enterprise will return to install the second circuit, with all works expected to finish by early October. The entire interconnection is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2025.
According to Red Eléctrica, the project will improve supply security on La Gomera, cut generation costs, and allow a greater share of renewable energy to be integrated into the island’s grid.
The interconnection is part of Spain’s 2021–2026 Electricity Transmission Network Development Plan and is being carried out with the collaboration of the Spanish Government, the Canary Islands Government, the Cabildos of Tenerife and La Gomera, local councils, and the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
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