Tenerife’s Geothermal Holy Grail
Tenerife is preparing to search for its holy grail: geothermal energy. In an interview, the island’s Minister for Innovation, Juan José Martínez, revealed that the first exploratory drilling is closer than ever. “We will begin the first surveys in March,” stated Martínez, who hopes to have confirmation by April that the subterranean heat is sufficient to power the entire population of Tenerife.
A Golden Age for Science and Technology
At the facilities of the Tenerife Science and Technology Park in Cuevas Blancas, the minister confessed that science on the Island is experiencing its own “golden age.” This has enabled the promotion of business and energy projects and the consolidation of basic research. “We are living through a golden age in the field of R&D. In Tenerife, there is objective data, such as the growth of companies based in the enclaves of the Science and Technology Park. Between July 2023 and December 2025 we have gone from 26 to 63 companies installed here. In fact, we now have problems accommodating companies that are requesting space and we are in the process of looking for new locations.”
He attributed this growth to circumstances linked to the effort led by the Tenerife Island Council to make activities related to new technologies an alternative for the island’s economic development. The workers in tech companies fit two profiles: business initiatives linked to R&D that arise locally and become viable companies, and companies attracted from outside that choose Tenerife as their base.
Long-Term Bets and Critical Infrastructure
“The bets are always medium to long term. During Carlos Alonso’s mandate, the Island Council made a significant commitment to promoting this type of activity. We have reinforced them,” Martínez explained. He noted that tax incentives were an important factor, but particularly for Tenerife, having critical infrastructure was essential. Examples include two supercomputers, the connectivity provided by CanaLink with over 11 submarine cables, the park’s facilities, and training projects like the Talentum programme.
A Satellite Constellation and a Teleport
Furthermore, the Island Council also has powerful flagship projects in specific areas, with perhaps the most striking being the aerospace strategy. “What we have done so far is launch the tender, which we hope to award in January, for the Council’s own satellite constellation. This infrastructure will give us significant capabilities in various fields, such as the environment, fire prevention, agriculture, emergencies, or irregular immigration. It will be a turning point for many of these activities.”
But they will not stop at just launching satellites. “We are also going to have the teleport and a tracking station. That alone will generate over 100 jobs. Our idea is to have the first one operational by the end of 2027, with the launch likely in the first half of that year.”
The First Geothermal Surveys Imminent
Returning to the geothermal project, Martínez confirmed its advanced state. “We have practically started the first one. In the coming days we will begin to excavate. The excavator is already there, the ground has been prepared, and if all goes well, we will do the first survey in March. By April we could already have information on what we hope will be a success. Without a doubt, if we have it, it will be a before and after for energy sovereignty and the commitment to decarbonisation.”
The advantages of a positive result would be numerous. “The population is very aware of the need for renewable energy. Geothermal meets the best conditions because it occupies less territory and ensures continuity and stability of supply.” He emphasised a major communication effort in the municipality, with over six meetings held, and announced a permanent information office with assigned staff for the duration of the survey and exploration process.
A Canarian Volcanology Centre on the Horizon
When asked about a proposed Canarian Volcanology Centre, the minister outlined the next steps. “In principle, it is a consortium formed between the Spanish Government and the Canarian Government, where the Island Councils of La Palma and Tenerife will play an important role. During the next year we will see how the two institutions leading the process specify it. Certainly, thanks to Involcan and other institutions dependent on the CSIC or the Canarian universities, we have the scientific capabilities and a critical mass—the largest in the entire country—to make a centre of this nature viable.”
Supercomputers for Research and Film
On the use of the island’s supercomputers, Martínez confirmed they do not have precise usage data. The intention is to concentrate all areas linked to volcanology in the new centre. “They are very important in research fields; the University of La Laguna is one of the most important users. There are specific or one-off commissions with companies that need significant computing power at specific times. The audiovisual sector is also a recurrent client, especially for rendering productions that require a lot of computing power, mainly in Anaga.”
Plans are underway to expand their capabilities towards pre-quantum technology. “In fact, we have linked the conditions of the tender to the successful bidder not only providing specific equipment with certain characteristics, but also generating economic or scientific activity linked to it.”
Hopes for the Year Ahead
Outlining his hopes for the coming year, Martínez concluded: “I would be satisfied with continuing the pace of generating and attracting new companies linked to new technologies; that we are successful in April and can announce that we have found geothermal resources; and that some of the projects we have underway in different areas come to fruition.”
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