The Salto de Chira Soria Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Plant project in southern Gran Canaria has garnered prestigious international recognition for its pioneering approach to community management, placing the island at the forefront of cutting-edge energy infrastructure in Europe. The European Commission has highlighted Redeia’s “Neighborhood Managers” initiative as one of the eight most noteworthy examples of citizen participation in the European Union (EU).
This recognition not only validates the project’s technical necessity but also its implementation model. Salto de Chira is fundamental to Gran Canaria’s electrical system, offering greater stability, guaranteed supply, and enabling the reliable and efficient use of the island’s abundant renewable resources. The project is destined to position Gran Canaria at the forefront of technology in the Atlantic.
The EU recognition falls within the framework of the EU Grid Action Plan, which promotes early public participation in the planning and development of critical infrastructure. The role of “neighborhood managers,” implemented for the first time by Redeia in this project, constitutes a two-way, transparent, and easily understandable communication channel with the community. Their main function is to ensure continuous contact with residents to resolve issues, anticipate needs, and build trust, thereby fostering social and territorial cohesion.
This practice aligns with Redeia’s Integrated Impact Strategy, which aims to maximize its social and environmental contribution. By deploying this agile and systematic dialogue model, Redeia demonstrates how large energy investments can go hand in hand with maximum shared benefits for local communities, setting a governance precedent for future energy transition developments in the outermost regions.