A Collective Scientific Endorsement
A group of 139 scientists and experts from various disciplines has signed a joint manifesto endorsing the development of geothermal energy in the Canary Islands as an alternative and sustainable method of power generation. Among the professionals defending this type of exploration are the rectors of the two universities in the Islands, Francisco García (ULL) and Luis Serra (ULPGC), as well as some of their predecessors in the role. Other notable signatories include Nemesio Pérez, Director of the Environment Area of ITER and Scientific Coordinator of INVOLCAN; Juan J. Coello Bravo, President of the Telesforo Bravo-Juan Coello Foundation; geologist and former Director of MUNA, Francisco García Talavera; and Canary Islands Research Award winners Basilio Valladares, Rafael Rebolo, and Wolfredo Wildpret, among many others.
Addressing Misinformation and Highlighting Potential
In the text, the professionals lament the social rejection generated among the islands’ population due to “a lack of rigorous information and partial analyses” concerning geothermal energy. They insist that this energy source represents a strategic support system: it “harnesses the internal heat of the Earth, a resource inherent to the volcanic nature of the islands, and allows for the continuous generation of baseload power.” The full manifesto is reproduced below.
The Manifesto: Geothermal Energy for a Sustainable Canary Islands
In the Canary Islands, as in many parts of the world, innovative projects seeking to transform our relationship with energy often face reluctance and rejection from some sectors of society in their early stages. This reaction is largely due to a lack of rigorous information and partial analyses that generate negative perceptions, making it difficult to understand the benefits these initiatives can bring. Geothermal energy, a sustainable energy source, is no exception. Overcoming these doubts requires rigorous information, transparent public debate, and the democratic participation of society in decision-making.
The Energy Crossroads of an Archipelago
The Canary Islands are at an energy and environmental crossroads. Our island status, combined with a high dependence on imported fossil fuels, makes us vulnerable to international market fluctuations, geopolitical instability, and the effects of climate change. This jeopardizes not only the environmental sustainability of the archipelago but also its energy security, economic competitiveness, and the well-being of its population.
Although wind and solar power have seen significant growth in recent decades, their fluctuating and seasonal nature means they require storage systems to guarantee a stable supply. Geothermal energy emerges as a strategic support: it harnesses the Earth’s internal heat, a resource native to the islands’ volcanic nature, and enables the generation of baseload power continuously, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of weather conditions or renewable storage levels.
Dispelling Myths with Science
The implementation of geothermal energy in the Canary Islands has been limited by erroneous perceptions and misinformation. Many fears stem from incomplete knowledge of the technology or from biased messages that generate distrust. It is essential to confront these beliefs with scientific evidence and international experience.
Contrary to the idea that geothermal energy can trigger eruptions or earthquakes, scientific studies confirm that drilling does not initiate eruptive processes and that the associated seismicity is minimal and controllable. Furthermore, it is sometimes perceived as having a high environmental impact, when in reality its ecological footprint is small compared to fossil fuels and other renewables, and it can coexist with other land uses.
A Low-Impact Solution for Limited Space
One of the main advantages of geothermal energy compared to sources like ground-mounted photovoltaics or wind power is its low land-use intensity for electricity generation. This allows for more efficient land use and minimizes the impact on the surroundings. This characteristic is especially relevant in the Canary Islands, where space is limited and must be managed sustainably.
Overcoming myths and misinformation requires transparent information, scientific education, and citizen participation. Only in this way can an informed consensus be built on the role geothermal energy should play in the islands’ energy future. It is essential to emphasize that the exploitation of geothermal resources does not compete with water destined for agriculture or local consumption; on the contrary, it can contribute to increasing its availability and strengthening the primary sector of the Canary Islands. Likewise, careful landscape integration must be guaranteed, adopting all necessary measures to achieve this objective.
A Commitment to Society and Environment
Geothermal energy represents a comprehensive commitment to society and the environment. Its development contributes to the fight against climate change by generating clean energy without direct greenhouse gas emissions and improves the resilience of the Canary Islands against the volatility of energy markets. Furthermore, it offers opportunities to stimulate the local economy through the creation of specialized jobs and collaboration with universities, research centers, and innovative companies.
This process should also be supported by the active participation of social economy entities and democratic control that ensures a fair distribution of benefits. On a social level, geothermal energy can bring energy closer to citizens, foster participation in decision-making about the islands’ energy future, and guarantee that the energy transition responds to collective interests and the common good for the benefit of present and future generations.
A Call for Collaboration
The transition towards a sustainable energy model requires the joint involvement of all actors: citizens, institutions, and the private sector. We call on everyone to get informed, participate, and support the responsible implementation of geothermal projects. We urge public institutions to develop clear policies, solid regulatory frameworks, and support programs that guarantee the viability of geothermal projects, thus contributing to transparent regional energy planning that considers the complementarity of sources and respects the uniqueness of each island.
Furthermore, we invite the private sector to invest in innovation and technological development, giving a prominent role to local companies, with the aim of generating quality employment and strengthening the local economy. This manifesto is a collective commitment. Only through collaboration and joint effort will it be possible to turn geothermal energy into a pillar of the Canary Islands’ energy future, promoting democratic, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development, at the service of society and the environment we inhabit.
Aarón Álvarez Hernández (INVOLCAN), Agustín M. Delgado Torres (ULL), Alba Martín Lorenzo (Steam Srl., Italy), Alexis Lozano Medina (CIEGC), Alicia Boto Castro (IPNA-CSIC), Amalia Jiménez (University of Oviedo), Ana Miranda Hardisson (WARA), Andrea Brito (ULL), Ángel Morales González-Moro (GOBCAN), Ángel Rodríguez (ULPGC), Antera Martel Quintana (ULPGC), Antonio Aparicio Juan (Vice-Rector of Research and Transfer, ULL), Antonio Cabrera (Platform for a New Energy Model (Px1NME) – La Palma), Antonio Cendrero (Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences of Spain), Antonio Delgado Huertas (IACT-CSIC), Antonio Eff-Darwich (ULL), Antonio González Ramos (ULPGC), Araceli García Yeguas (University of Granada), Aridane González (ULPGC), Arturo Hardisson de la Torre (ULL), Bárbara Socas Rodríguez (ULL), Basilio Valladares (Canary Islands Award for Research and Innovation 2024), Beverley Claire Coldwell (ITER), Carla Méndez Pérez (INVOLCAN), Carlos Díaz (ULL), Carmén Romero Rúiz (ULL), Cayetano Guillén (ULL), Claudio Briones Barrera (ULL), Daniel Hugo Di Nardo (INVOLCAN), Daniel Fariña González (ULL), David Afonso Falcón (ITER), David Martínez van Dorth (ITER), Dina L. López (Ohio University, USA), Eleazar Padrón González (ITER), Elías Sánchez Cañadillas (ULPGC), Ernesto Pereda (ULL), Estela Escobar Lahoz (University of Castilla La Mancha), Esther Beltrán Yanes (ULL), Eumenio Ancochea (Complutense University of Madrid), Fátima Rodríguez García (GESPLAN), Fátima Viveiros (University of the Azores, Portugal), Fernando Sabaté (ULL), Francisco Javier Díaz Peña (ULL), Francisco Javier Expósito González (ULL), Francisco J. García Rodríguez (Rector of the ULL), Francisco García-Talavera (Geologist, ex-Director MUNA), Germán Hernández Durán (WARA), Germán D. Padilla Hernández (ITER), Gladys V. Melián Rodríguez (ITER), Gonzalo Piernavieja (ITC), Guillermo Caravantes (Metatek Group, United Kingdom), Héctor de los Ríos Díaz (ITER), Henrique Aguiar Sá (INOVA – Institute of Technological Innovation of the Azores, Portugal), Inmaculada Menéndez (ULPGC), Iván Cabrera Pérez (University of Geneva, Switzerland), Jaime Cuevas (Autonomous University of Madrid), Jaime Díaz Pacheco (ULL), Javier Dóniz Páez (ULL), Jerónimo López (Autonomous University of Madrid), Jesús Ibáñez (University of Granada), Jesús Martínez Frías (IGEO-UCM/CSIC), Jesús Rivera Martínez (State Research Agency), Jesús Rodríguez Álamo (ITER), Joaquín Brito (PLOCAN), João Carlos Carreiro Nunes (INOVA – Institute of Technological Innovation of the Azores & UAc – University of the Azores, Portugal), Johan Knapen (IAC), John Beckman (IAC), José Barrancos (ULL), José Fernández (IGEO-UCM/CSIC), José María Fernández Palacios (ULL), José S. Gómez Soliño (Ex-Rector of the ULL), José Carlos Hernández (ULL), José A. Rodríguez Losada (ULL), José L. Sánchez de la Rosa (ULL), Juan J. Coello Bravo (Telesforo Bravo-Juan Coello Foundation), Juan Carlos Carracedo (ULPGC), Juan José Dañobeitia (Director of the European Marine Research Infrastructure Consortium, CSIC), Juan Gómez Barreiro (University of Salamanca), Juan F. Llamas (Polytechnic University of Madrid), Juan Ledo (Complutense University of Madrid), Juan Lorenzo (Louisiana State University, USA), Juan Pedro Díaz (ULL), Juan Ruiz Alzola (ULPGC and ex Director of the ACIISI-GOBCAN), Juan Carlos Santamarta (ULL), Katarzyna Ślęzak (University of Chile), Lionel Torres (SODEPAL), Lluís Serra Majem (Rector of the ULPGC), Luca D’Auria (ITER), Luis Domínguez-Boada (ULPGC), Luis Galindo Martín (ULL), Luis González de Vallejo (Complutense University of Madrid), Luis Enrique Hernández (GOBCAN), Luis Ovidio López-Manzanares Fernández (ITER), Luis Mansilla (University of Castilla La Mancha), Luis Somoza Losada (IGME-CSIC), Magdalena Santana Casiano (ULPGC), Manuel Regueiro González-Barros (CSIC International Relations Vice-Presidency), María Asensio Ramos (INVOLCAN), María Candelaria Martín Luis (ULL), María Isabel Sánchez Bonilla (ULL), María Yolanda Felipe Hdez. (SODEPAL), María José Huertas (Complutense University of Madrid), Marísa Tejedor (ex-Rector of the ULL), Melchor González Dávila (ULPGC), Mercedes Ferrer (IGME-CSIC), Mercedes Suárez Barrios (University of Salamanca), Miguel Borja Aguiar González (ULPGC), Miguel Llorente Isidro (IGME-CSIC), Miguel Ángel Rodríguez Delgado (ULL), Miquel Serra-Ricart (IAC), Monika Przeor (Invert Sàrl, Switzerland), Nemesio M. Pérez (ITER), Óscar García Afonso (ULL), Óscar Rodríguez Rodríguez (INVOLCAN), Pablo Higueras (University of Castilla La Mancha), Pedro A. Hernández (GOBCAN), Perla Piña-Varas (University of Barcelona), Pietro Tizzani (IREA-CNR, Italy), Pilar Queralt (University of Barcelona), Rafael Becerra Ramírez (University of Castilla La Mancha), Rafael Rebolo (Ex-Director of the IAC and Canary Islands Research Award 2002), Rafael Robaina (Ex-Rector of the ULPGC), Raúl Hidalgo (Geotrex), Ricardo Guerrero Lemus (ULL), Rosa M. Aguilar Chinea (ex-Rector of the ULL), Roque Calero (ULPGC), Rubén García Hernández (INVOLCAN), Salvador Ordoñez (Ex–Secretary of State for Universities and Research, Government of Spain), Salvador Suárez (ITC), Samara Dionis (ITC), Sara Carneiro (INOVA -Institute of Technological Innovation of the Azores, Portugal), Sergio Velázquez Medina (ULPGC), Sttefany Cartaya Arteaga (ITER), Valentín Martínez Pillet (IAC), Víctor Ortega Ramos (INVOLCAN), Victoria Josefina Leal Moreno (ITER), Victoria Eugenia Martín Osorio (ULL), Wolfredo Wildpret de la Torre (Canary Islands Research Award 2011), Xavier Bolos (GEO3BCN-CSIC).
