Interconnecting isolated electrical systems. The case of Canary Islands

Abstract

This paper aims to quantify, from an economic and environmental lens, the impacts of the interconnection Tenerife–La Gomera in terms of energy independence, emissions and costs. Alternatively, the development of La Gomera as an isolated system through a high deployment of renewable energies and energy storage systems is also assessed. The results reveal that the interconnection is the most promising alternative in terms of cost, emissions and energy independence, provided that generation is powered by NG. If not, the isolated development mainly based on electric batteries and photovoltaic systems would be the best option. The results of this work may be very useful for policy-makers and energy planners in other territories with similar characteristics.