The president of the Gran Canaria Island Council, Antonio Morales, this week emphasized the historic scope of the public works projects that, under his leadership, are “transforming the island and defining the model of an eco-island for the 21st century.” With over €2 billion underway simultaneously, the island leader stressed that this is the “largest public investment in the democratic history of Gran Canaria,” driven by the progressive government and supported by European, national, and island funds.
“We are not talking about a single flagship project that defines a term in office, but rather a cluster of initiatives that address the fundamental issues of our future,” Morales asserted in an opinion piece. Among the strategic actions, Morales highlighted the Chira-Soria Dam as “the most important and symbolic project for the island’s energy transformation.” With an investment of over €600 million and more than 60% completion, the project—designed to utilize the Chira and Soria dams as a reversible hydroelectric storage system—will guarantee Gran Canaria’s water security and energy sovereignty.
“Chira-Soria is an internationally recognized Canarian patent, unique in the world. It will allow us to guarantee clean water and energy, pave the way for offshore wind power in Spain, and achieve 70% renewable energy penetration,” stated Morales. Another milestone highlighted by the president was the reactivation of the Gran Canaria train project, which will connect Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with Maspalomas. With all the plans now drawn up and the project recognized by the State as a work of general interest, the Island Council considers this a decisive step towards “an alternative, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation model.”
“The train represents a leap towards a new kind of island mobility, connecting us and putting us on par with the most sustainable European territories,” Morales stated. “It is a project of enormous socioeconomic significance, which will contribute to reducing emissions, improving connectivity, and strengthening territorial cohesion.”
