Geothermal a viable option for energy independence in the Canary Islands
La Caldera de Tirajana (Hoya de Tunte) y el Mar de Nubes en Gran Canaria Islas Canarias (Source: Flickr, CC, By: El Coleccionista de Instantes)
Alexander Richter
4 May 2015
A local candidate for the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales, looks to develop renewables in Gran Canaria if elected.
Energy generation in the Spanish Canary Islands has always been a hotly debated topic. Due to their geographic location, the islands are not connected to any grid and energy generation relies upon costly imported fossil fuels.
In a recent local news website from one of the main islands, Gran Canaria, it is exposed that despite a vast wealth of wind, solar and geothermal potential, any of these are currently used creating a significant impact in the local finances and on the local population. The article covers NC’s candidate for President of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales, proposing three lines of action and a decalogue of actions to transform the reality of the island.
Energy independence is one of the cornerstones in Mr Morales action plan, looking into expanding renewables like other islands in the archipelago have done. Solar and wind are good solutions but Gran Canaria has a very good potential for geothermal energy development. This is particularly shocking when the same source sates that “geothermal energy can generate up to 31 percent of the energy needed by the island”.
Source: San Borondón
