Overview
ARONA 1 GAS 1 is a 43.2 MW diesel power plant in Arona, Spain, operated by UNION ELECTRICA DE CANARIAS GENERACION S.A.U. It provides power generation capacity to the Canary Islands grid.
ARONA 1 GAS 1 is a diesel power plant located in Arona, on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain. With a capacity of 43.2 MW, it is a medium-scale facility within the Spanish power generation sector, which relies on a mix of fossil fuels and renewables. The plant is owned and operated by UNION ELECTRICA DE CANARIAS GENERACION S.A.U., a key utility in the region. The plant operates on oil as its primary fuel, a common choice for diesel power plants. While specific technical details such as turbine type or efficiency are not disclosed, the facility likely uses internal combustion engines typical of diesel plants. In Spain, power generation is regulated under EU directives, including the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU), which sets emission limits for SOx, NOx, and particulates. The plant must comply with these standards, along with national regulations. As part of the Canary Islands' energy infrastructure, ARONA 1 GAS 1 plays a role in ensuring grid stability and meeting local electricity demand. The region's isolated grid requires reliable dispatchable power to complement renewable sources like wind and solar. The plant's operational status contributes to energy security for the island's population and economy.
Environmental context
The plant's use of oil as fuel results in CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, which are regulated under EU and Spanish law. Its location in Arona, a populated area on Tenerife, means emissions may affect local air quality. Older diesel plants typically have higher emission intensities. Proximity to residential zones and tourist areas underscores the importance of emission controls and compliance with Best Available Techniques (BAT) under the Industrial Emissions Directive.
Frequently asked questions
ARONA 1 GAS 1 is located in Arona, on the island of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, Spain.
The plant has a capacity of 43.2 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale diesel power plant.
The plant is owned and operated by UNION ELECTRICA DE CANARIAS GENERACION S.A.U., a Spanish utility company.
Diesel power plants in Spain must comply with the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU), which sets emission limits for SOx, NOx, and particulates, and requires the use of Best Available Techniques (BAT).
The plant uses oil as its primary fuel, which is typical for diesel power plants.