SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 20 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Cabildo of Tenerife has chosen to bolster its commitment to the energy transition by fostering energy communities across 15 municipalities on the island.
In a press release, the island authority outlined that this initiative enables residents and small enterprises to cut down on their electricity costs while advancing the adoption of renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable transport.
Up to now, four energy communities have already been established in the municipalities of Tacoronte, La Matanza, La Laguna, and El Rosario.
Notably, the latter, ‘El Rosario Solar’, situated in the La Campana industrial estate, serves as a model for collaborative self-consumption of renewable energy in Tenerife. With an installed capacity of 10 megawatts on the rooftops of industrial units, it will empower local businesses and residents to produce and utilise solar energy.
This initiative not only aids in decarbonisation but also reduces the energy bills of participants by as much as 70%, thereby fostering a green and sustainable economy.
In addition, the Cabildo is actively working on the establishment of new communities in Puerto de la Cruz, Los Silos, Buenavista del Norte, Los Realejos, El Rincón, Arafo, Candelaria, Santa Úrsula, La Victoria, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with plans to further extend this model across the island.
Through the Community Transformation Office (OTC), the Cabildo provides a comprehensive advisory and technical support service for the formation of energy communities.
Specifically, it is tasked with guiding residents, small and medium-sized enterprises, associations, and other groups interested in setting up renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic panels, on their rooftops or facilities. Furthermore, it promotes responsible and shared energy usage, ensuring that these communities remain viable, inclusive, and equitable.
The Minister for Natural Environment, Sustainability, and Security, Blanca Pérez, emphasised the significance of the initiative, remarking that “these communities optimise energy expenses by incorporating renewable energy systems, chiefly photovoltaic panels, on the roofs of neighbouring communities, SMEs, and other entities, thus ensuring an inclusive and sustainable energy transition”.
Meanwhile, the insular director of Medio Natural, Pedro Milan, underscored that “these communities not only produce renewable energy and lower energy costs but also represent a crucial step towards the green economy. They promote local involvement in energy management, create sustainable job opportunities, and advocate for equal chances within the energy sector.”