Gran Canaria Launches Solar-Powered EV Charging Stations
The Gran Canaria Island Council, through its Energy Council (CIEGC), has announced a tender for the installation of solar canopies and pergolas with integrated electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across three locations in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. This initiative is part of the “Impulsa Maspalomas” Tourism Sustainability Plan, funded by the EU’s Next Generation program under Spain’s Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, with a total investment of €1,022,024.73—fully covered by external funds.
A Step Toward Cleaner Tourism
Raúl García Brink, Gran Canaria’s Councillor for Environment, Climate, Energy, and Knowledge, emphasized that “sustainability is key to maintaining the island’s tourism competitiveness and quality of life for residents and visitors. Combining solar energy with EV charging represents a cleaner, innovative model aligned with climate action.” The project also highlights collaboration with San Bartolomé de Tirajana’s local government through a dedicated agreement.
Project Details and Environmental Impact
The tender includes installing 500 photovoltaic modules on canopies and pergolas, along with 21 EV charging stations—three with 22 kW DC fast charging and eighteen with 7 kW AC charging. Locations include:
- Avenida Gran Canaria: 158 modules (97.17 kW peak) powering seven charging stations (one 22 kW, six 7 kW).
- Avenida Granada: 172 modules (105.78 kW peak) serving seven stations (one 22 kW, six 7 kW).
- Plaza Miramar: 170 modules (104.55 kW peak) with pergolas and parking canopies, supporting seven stations (one 22 kW, six 7 kW).
These installations will prevent over 400 tons of CO2 emissions annually—equivalent to planting 25,039 trees. The tender is open on the Public Sector Procurement Platform until July 28, 2025, at 3 PM.
Impulsa Maspalomas: A Broader Vision
Backed by €5.5 million in EU Next Generation funds, Impulsa Maspalomas aims to enhance the resilience of Maspalomas Costa Canaria by preserving natural heritage, including the iconic dunes. The plan focuses on four pillars: green transition, energy efficiency, digital transformation, and competitiveness.
Key actions include:
- Solar panels in beach parking lots and public areas.
- Reducing light/water pollution and installing EV chargers.
- A Meloneras seaside bike lane.
- Restoring the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve.
- Smart waste management and urban drainage near Maspalomas Lagoon.
- Digital upgrades like smart tourist signage and LED info screens.
- Support for local businesses and new eco-friendly tourism products.
Boosting Tourism and Local Economy
The plan also promotes renewable energy in tourism infrastructure, sustainable mobility to reduce overcrowding, and cultural initiatives like museum-quality viewpoints and guided tours. Additionally, it supports sports tourism and local entrepreneurship, including “km 0” products and artisan crafts.
Approved in October 2023 by the Canary Islands Government, Impulsa Maspalomas aligns with the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (Next Generation EU), marking a transformative step for Gran Canaria’s sustainable future.
