Vattenfall - Azores

Engineering challenges in the Atlantic

Can islands in the Atlantic be linked by power cables, providing islanders with cheaper electricity?

In an assignment from Electricidade dos Acores, EDA Vattenfall Power Consultant is trying to find out.

In place of diesel

Connecting the islands of Faial, Pico and Sao Jorge would improve the distribution of electricity in Azores. But, perhaps more importantly, it would also provide the economic basis for a geothermal power station that could replace the expensive, environmentally damaging diesel-powered generators currently in use. In order to be economically viable, a new facility would need a production capacity of 10–12 MW. The only way to create a big enough market for this production is to join the three islands together.

Avoiding hazards

The project involves a number of interesting engineering challenges. The area is prone to earthquakes, there are bursts of sulphuric gases and volcanic "hot spots" in the rock seabed, and the sea has extremely strong currents. If feasible, the project may be financed in part by the European Union.

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