Defense has an environmental project underway in Canary Islands which involves the installation of photovoltaic energy plants and other green measures. That was one of the highlights addressed by the head of the Canary Islands Command of the Army, Julio Salom.during his speech as representative of the King at the celebration of Military Easter in the capital of Tenerife.
The events took place at the Palace of the General Captaincy of the Canary Islands in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. They started at 11:00 am and brought together several hundred people, who attended the military parade. An honors unit consisting of a command, a squad of spenders, a flag and a company from the Tenerife Infantry Regiment number 49 participated in it, in addition to the War Band number 2 of the 16th Canary Islands Brigade and the Music Unit of the Canary Islands Command. An isolated “long live Spain!” from the public to the passing of the parade was the only moment that seemed to deviate from the established script.
After the event on the street, an institutional reception took place in the Throne Room of the Capitanía Palace, which began with an imposition of decorations.
The head of the Canary Islands Command specially mentioned, on several occasions, the commitment to the environment in the Islands, which “will be reflected in the initiation and continuation of energy efficiency projects with the installation of photovoltaic energy plants in various barracks. Official Defense sources detailed that in 2023 an environmental audit was carried out on all the Canary Islands bases to increase environmental protection measures, and added that, following their conclusions, they began to develop actions at the end of last year.
The main ones will benefit the Hoya Fría and Los Rodeos bases, both in Tenerife, and the General Alemán Ramírez, in Gran Canaria. These involve improvements in the electrification system, the placement of photovoltaic panels and other smaller actions. Likewise, they highlighted that command and logistical support vehicles are switching from fossil fuels to electric mode.
Among the most notable current events, Salom referred to the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza, as well as “the significant challenges for peace and stability, which demonstrate the need for Spain to have Armed Forces with “a high degree of preparation, readiness and availability.”
Part of his speech revolved around the “global migration” crisis. It focused on the “effort made in 2023, maintaining a daily average of 90 soldiers deployed throughout the year in presence duties.”surveillance and deterrence, and in the detachments that remain on the islands and rocks of national sovereignty of Chafarinas, Alhucemas and Vélez de La Gomera.
