The presidents of the Azores, Vasco Alves Cordeiro, and of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, have signed a collaboration agreement on innovation, development and renewable energies, during the official visit of a Canary Islands delegation to the Portuguese archipelago.
This agreement represents a fundamental step in strengthening relations between these archipelagos, which, together with Madeira and Cape Verde, make up Macaronesia. This exceptional geographical environment has the potential to become a leader in sustainability projects , renewable energy, and territorial cohesion within the European Union. Its strategic location and natural characteristics position this region as ideal for research and implementation of new energy technologies.
The Canary Islands presidency of the ORs
Fernando Clavijo emphasized that the Canary Islands' presidency of the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions (ORs), which began in October 2017, is key to positioning the Canary Islands as a strategic actor within the European Union, amidst the uncertainty stemming from Brexit. The role of the ORs is more relevant than ever, as these regions act as links between the European continent and other parts of the world, such as Africa, the Americas, and Asia.
Furthermore, the new strategy for the outermost regions (ORs), adopted by the European Commission, reinforces the importance of renewable energy and sustainable mobility as fundamental pillars for the development of these areas. Clavijo mentioned the importance of improving air and sea connections between the islands, facilitating trade and mobility in the global context.
The Memorandum of Understanding
During the official visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed, establishing the foundation for future collaborations in several strategic areas. This document places particular emphasis on coordinating regional cohesion strategies between the Canary Islands and the Azores, highlighting the adoption of renewable energy, research, and technological development (R&D&I).
One of the key projects is the creation of the International Atlantic Research Center (AIR Center) , which aims to integrate renewable energy and adapt to climate change in the Macaronesian context. The memorandum also promotes the development of Smart Specialisation Strategies (RIS3) , focusing on sustainable innovations applied to the marine, forestry, and territorial sectors.
Canary Islands and Azores: towards a new energy model
Historically, the energy model of the Canary Islands has been based on fossil fuels. However, renewable energies are taking on a key role. According to Red Eléctrica de España, 92% of the energy consumed in the Canary Islands still comes from petroleum derivatives, but this scenario is changing rapidly.
One of the most ambitious projects is the Soria-Chira pumped-storage hydroelectric plant in Gran Canaria, with an investment of €320 million. This plant aims to store surplus renewable energy and ensure a more sustainable electricity supply. Furthermore, research into flywheel technology is being conducted in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura to improve the stability and integration of renewable energy into the island's electricity grid.
Innovation and development in Macaronesia
The collaboration between the Canary Islands and the Azores is not limited to renewable energy. Both regions have agreed to promote the development of sustainable transport infrastructure , optimizing connectivity between the archipelagos of Macaronesia and strengthening their commercial and tourism integration with Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
The joint research projects also include the creation of energy efficiency research laboratories in both the Canary Islands and Senegal. These initiatives are part of a broader plan to reduce dependence on oil and move towards energy self-sufficiency in islands and coastal regions.
Cooperation and cohesion projects
Within the framework of the Interreg MAC project , the Canary Islands and the Azores are leading several initiatives focused on sustainability, environmental protection, and the promotion of clean energy. This project fosters the integration of various strategic sectors, such as the blue economy and sustainable mobility. The collaboration also extends to applied innovation, where reducing CO2 emissions is a key focus.
Participation in this type of project reinforces the commitment of the Canary Islands and the Azores to improve the energy resilience of the region and its capacity to face the challenges arising from climate change.
This agreement not only improves the relationship between the two archipelagos, but will serve as a model for other outermost regions, demonstrating that through a coordinated strategy of innovation and sustainability, it is possible to create a cleaner and more energy-efficient future.