Within the framework of the development of renewable energy projects in the Canary Islands, the authorization application for the Agueda III photovoltaic solar facility, promoted by Naturgy Renovables Canarias, has attracted attention both for its size and the technology that will be implemented on the island of Gran Canaria. With an installed capacity of 6,45 MW, the project will be located in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana and promises to contribute significantly to the archipelago's energy transition goal. However, one of the striking aspects is the use of Chinese technology, specifically from brands such as LONGI Solar and Huawei, for the infrastructure that will bring this ambitious project to life. In terms of the real economy, this project poses challenges related to dependence on foreign technologies, a key issue for the islands' sustainability and energy autonomy.
This May, Euroactiv reported that the Brussels-based renewable energy lobby group SolarPower Europe has expelled Chinese electronics giant Huawei from its membership, amid the scandal that rocked the multinational over alleged bribery of MEPs and their assistants. The Agueda III facility is characterized by its photovoltaic technology, which will employ 12.702 LONGI Solar LR5-72HBD 565M G2 bifacial photovoltaic modules, capable of generating a peak power of 7,17 MWp. These modules, manufactured by the Chinese multinational LONGI, are designed to harness both direct solar radiation and that reflected from the ground, thereby increasing the plant's overall efficiency. In addition, 30 Huawei SUN2000-215KTL-H0 inverters with a nominal installed capacity of 6,45 MWn and a 2000 MWh LUNA2 storage system will be used to ensure stable and efficient supply.
The use of Huawei technology, in particular, has become a recurring theme in debates about the future of energy infrastructure, as the Chinese company has been the subject of international controversy, primarily over security issues and its ties to the Chinese government. Despite these controversies, Huawei remains one of the leading providers of renewable energy solutions worldwide, offering products recognized for their reliability and performance.
The use of components manufactured by Chinese companies in a key project like Agueda III highlights the increasingly important role China plays in the global renewable energy market. The Canary Islands, as a strategic hub for the development of solar and wind energy projects, has been a key territory where Chinese companies have found a receptive market for their products, especially given the high level of solar radiation in the region.
Furthermore, the use of advanced technology at competitive prices from manufacturers such as LONGI Solar and Huawei has allowed Naturgy and other companies in the sector to promote projects with more attractive profitability, reducing the total investment cost and improving economic viability. For project managers like Agueda III, this represents a clear advantage, as the efficiency of the modules and inverters is key to ensuring a return on investment within a reasonable timeframe.
Despite the technical and economic benefits offered by the incorporation of Chinese technology, there is also growing concern about the economic and labor implications for the Canary Islands. The use of components imported from China raises questions about technology transfer and local job creation on the island. Although the project will generate jobs during its construction and operation, much of the key equipment comes from outside the archipelago, limiting the creation of direct jobs related to the production of the technology necessary for its operation.
On the other hand, the advanced technology used in the project not only impacts energy efficiency but also raises the issue of technological dependence, especially when most of the components come from international markets. The globalization of the energy sector has made the islands dependent on external players, which poses challenges in terms of energy security, costs, and autonomy in the supply of key products for the energy transition. The Agueda III project is not only a commitment to renewable energy but also a manifestation of the global trade relations that characterize the energy industry. While local authorities and companies focus on promoting sustainability and reducing CO2 emissions, the use of Chinese-sourced technologies highlights the complex balance between economic profitability, energy security, and social impact.
Agueda III, with its capacity to generate clean energy for thousands of homes, will be a significant step toward a greener future in the Canary Islands, but it also opens the door to new conversations about the energy development model, international trade alliances, and the geopolitical interests that influence energy project decisions in the archipelago.
