Tenerife’s Geothermal Energy Breakthrough
Tenerife is poised to become a leader in energy sovereignty for the Canary Islands through an ambitious geothermal project. Spearheaded by Energía Geotérmica de Canarias—a consortium including the Technological and Renewable Energy Institute (ITER), the Canary Islands Volcanology Institute (Involcan), Iceland’s Reykjavik Geothermal, and local energy company DISA—this initiative marks a major step toward decarbonization. With €100 million in funding, exploratory drilling will begin after autumn to identify high-temperature geothermal resources beneath the island’s surface.
A Sustainable Future for the Canary Islands
This public-private partnership aligns with EU 2030 climate goals, offering a renewable, clean, and virtually limitless energy source. Rosa Dávila, President of Tenerife’s Cabildo, calls it a milestone for achieving “energy sovereignty.” Geothermal energy could significantly meet heating, cooling, and electricity demands for buildings and industries. Unlike solar or wind power, it operates continuously regardless of weather, reduces energy costs, and has minimal visual, acoustic, or environmental impact.
Why Geothermal Makes Sense for Tenerife
Santiago Rull, DISA’s Energy Director, emphasizes that geothermal is “100 times more efficient” than traditional renewables and could position Tenerife as Spain’s geothermal hub. Nemesio Pérez of ITER adds that it reduces blackout risks, which cause “instability in the electrical grid and major disruptions for residents.” However, a key challenge remains: the lack of specific tariffs to attract investment. Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition plans to adopt European models, where geothermal projects receive €200–300/MWh, lowering Canary Islands’ generation costs as the project scales.
Volcanic Potential in Vilaflor
Initial drilling will focus on Vilaflor in southern Tenerife, where surveys of over 17,000 hectares confirmed water reservoirs exceeding 150°C at depths of 2,500 meters. The archipelago’s volcanic activity—including geysers, hot springs, and active geology—makes it Spain’s prime location for medium- and high-temperature geothermal energy. Success here could lead to energy self-sufficiency, stable skilled jobs, and lower consumer prices while replacing polluting fossil fuels.
The Road Ahead
Though requiring significant upfront investment, geothermal energy leverages Earth’s natural heat with minimal land use. For the Canary Islands, this project isn’t just about sustainability—it’s a chance to harness their volcanic identity for a cleaner, more resilient future.
