Geothermal energy is gaining prominence as a clean alternative and permanent to respond to energy challenges, especially in volcanic regions like the Canary Islands. This renewable source stands out for its constant generation capacity, regardless of weather conditions, which is a key difference compared to other renewable sources.
In recent years, numerous public and private projects and initiatives They have promoted geothermal research and development, with a particular focus on the Canary Islands. The institutional, social, and scientific context has paved the way for greater energy sovereignty based on harnessing the Earth's internal heat.
Canary Islands: a national benchmark in geothermal development
La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria They concentrate the bulk of public investment currently allocated to the exploration and possible exploitation of deep geothermal energy in Spain. The Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) has set aside more than 100 million euros to support surveys and projects on these islands, where geological conditions are favorable.
Among the main players are public companies such as Sodepal, entities linked to the regional energy sector, and new private firms with a specific interest in geothermal energy. Research permits have already been obtained for more than 800 mining sites in several municipalities of La Palma, demonstrating the growing interest in this energy source.
The process of awarding and conducting deep drilling It is complex and requires collaboration between public and private entities. Furthermore, the experience and leadership of scientists like Dr. Nemesio Pérez have been instrumental in maintaining the Canary Islands' commitment to geothermal energy over the years.
International innovations: the challenge of superhot rocks
The research on Deep geothermal energy goes beyond the Canary IslandsRecent advances led by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) have tested the feasibility of extracting energy from superhot rocks, located several kilometers below the Earth's surface. These formations, with temperatures exceeding 300°C, pose a technological challenge due to their ductile behavior and the difficulty of fracturing under pressure.
Through Innovative laboratory simulators and advanced imaging techniquesScientists have observed that the supercritical steam generated under these conditions could multiply the extractable energy, far exceeding the performance of conventional geothermal systems. If these findings are confirmed in real-world tests, they would open the door to almost unlimited geothermal energy in the future.
Technical, social and political challenges
The development of deep geothermal energy in the Canary Islands, and particularly in La Palma, poses challenges ranging from obtaining permits and administrative coordination, to the need for gain social trust and ensure transparency in the exploration and exploitation processes.
The participation of companies with financial and technical experience is welcome as long as the general interest prevails and public-private collaboration is balancedInstitutional leadership, continued political support, and effective management of European funds are essential to turning geothermal energy into a driving force for island development.
The example of INVOLCAN and its team, who have kept geothermal energy research and outreach at the center of debate for more than a decade, demonstrates that scientific perseverance and multidisciplinary cooperation can achieve significant progress despite a lack of resources or political changes.
Financing models and social acceptance
One of the main obstacles to the deployment of geothermal projects is the lack of a regulated tariff or specific incentives that provide security to investors and mobilize private capital. Specific power purchase agreements (PPAs), regional auctions, or a premium tariff that recognizes the stability and contribution of geothermal energy as a base energy source are proposed.
Likewise, information, dialogue and citizen participation are essential. In areas affected by recent eruptions, such as Tajogaite in La Palma, the "social license" is key. Transparent communication and environmental safeguards can shift public perception from fear of the volcano to considering it a source of local well-being and prosperity.
The evolution of geothermal energy in Spain, especially in the Canary Islands, reflects the potential of this renewable energy to achieve energy independence and security in island territories. Scientific advances, new management models, and political commitment will determine whether subsurface energy becomes one of the key elements of our national energy future.