CHIRA-SORIA Hydroelectric complex

Gran Canaria, Spain

360 m

Height

The Chira-Soria Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant is being built to maximise the integration of renewable energy sources and to improve both the reliability and security of Gran Canaria’s electricity supply, preventing renewable energy curtailment and stabilising system frequency.

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The project consists of a 200 MW reversible pumped-storage hydroelectric plant connecting the Chira (upper) and Soria (lower) reservoirs, enabling water to be pumped uphill during off peak hours and released through turbines when demand increases.

It functions as a large natural battery with an energy storage capacity exceeding 3.5 GWh, capable of supplying the island for several hours using surplus renewable energy.

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The civil works are being carried out by DRAGADOS, which is responsible for tunnels, hydraulic intakes, underground caverns for turbines and transformers, access roads and auxiliary buildings.

Construction includes excavating a cavern roughly 400 metres deep to house six Francis turbines and the necessary hydromechanical infrastructure, along with the conduits linking both reservoirs for the pumping and generation cycle.

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Project data

200 MW installed capacity

More than 3.5 GWh of energy storage capacity

Storage system between Chira and Soria reservoirs

Underground powerhouse at 400 m depth

6 reversible Francis turbines

Infrastructure designed to maximise renewable energy integration

Hydraulic tunnels, intake structures and auxiliary facilities

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