Geothermal energy is gaining prominence as a clean and sustainable alternative to meet energy challenges, especially in volcanic regions like the Canary Islands. This renewable source stands out for its ability to generate energy consistently, regardless of weather conditions, a key advantage over other renewable energy sources.
In recent years, numerous public and private projects and initiatives have boosted geothermal research and development, with a particular focus on the Canary Islands. The institutional, social, and scientific context has shaped the roadmap toward 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 account for the bulk of public investment currently earmarked for the exploration and potential exploitation of deep geothermal energy in Spain. The Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) has allocated over €100 million to support drilling 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 carrying out deep well drilling is complex and requires collaboration between public and private entities. Furthermore, the experience and leadership of scientists like Dr. Nemesio Pérez have been crucial in maintaining the Canary Islands' commitment to geothermal energy over the years.
International innovations: the challenge of superhot rocks
Research into deep geothermal energy extends beyond the Canary Islands . Recent advances led by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) have tested the feasibility of extracting energy from superheated 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 them under pressure.
Using innovative laboratory simulators and advanced imaging techniques , scientists have observed that supercritical steam generated under these conditions could multiply the extractable energy, far surpassing the performance of conventional geothermal systems. If these findings are confirmed in real-world tests, they would open the door to virtually 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, presents challenges ranging from obtaining permits and administrative coordination, to the need to gain social trust and ensure transparency in exploration and exploitation processes.
The participation of companies with financial and technical expertise is welcome, provided that the public interest prevails and public-private collaboration is balanced . Institutional leadership, continued political support, and effective management of European funds are essential to transforming geothermal energy into an engine of island development.
The example of INVOLCAN and its team, who have kept research and dissemination on geothermal energy at the center of the 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 for 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 baseload power are proposed.
Information, dialogue, and citizen participation are also fundamental. In areas affected by recent eruptions, such as Tajogaite in La Palma, "social license" is key. Transparent communication and environmental safeguards can change public perception, shifting from fear of the volcano to considering it a resource for local well-being and prosperity.
The development of geothermal energy in Spain, especially in the Canary Islands, reflects the potential of this renewable energy source to achieve energy independence and security in island territories. Scientific advances, new management models, and political commitment will determine whether geothermal energy becomes a key component of the nation's energy future.