SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE Jan. 8 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Minister for Ecological Transition and Energy of the Government of the Canary Islands, Mariano Hernández Zapata, introduced this Wednesday the project of the Canary Islands Energy Offices (OEC) aimed at facilitating the processing of aid and subsidies for renewable energy development.
In comments made to reporters during an informative breakfast, he remarked that it serves as a “direct service to citizens” enabling them to undertake self-consumption projects, seek finance and subsidies, and continue progressing “in decarbonisation.”
He believes it represents an additional “tool” to assist the Canary Islands in the not-so-simple goal of enhancing renewable energy penetration, which currently stands at merely 19.4% when the National Integrated Plan for Energy and Climate aims for a target of around 50% by 2030.
“We will strive to achieve that objective,” he stated, emphasising that the initiative, managed through Gestur, will span three years with an estimated cost of four million euros and will involve the recruitment of 17 individuals.
The Minister clarified that the ‘green offices’ will remain operational and continue to handle energy transition projects, while decarbonisation will be the sole responsibility of the energy offices.
Indeed, to date, the so-called ‘green offices’ have processed up to 40,000 responses to various requests, demonstrating a clear “demand” from the populace, according to Hernández Zapata.
He noted that the project is bolstered by Next Generation funds, to which the Ministry has provided a significant boost during this Legislature with a proactive plan after previous management faced “paralysis.”
For instance, he specified that 40% of self-consumption aid has already been distributed.
These offices are already functioning across both provinces, with two main locations: Calle Robayna, 25 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Calle León y Castillo, 226 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
ACCESSIBLE AND PERSONALISED SERVICE
Via these offices, citizens, businesses, and public administrations across the archipelago will have access to an accessible and personalised service, addressing matters such as guidance on preparing projects for subsidy applications, assistance with documentation required, and obtaining information on available subsidy lines that can cater to their needs, among other topics.
The new offices are open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., five days a week, both in person and via telephone (922 533 533) or email (oficinasenergia@oficinasenergia.es). They also maintain a website where comprehensive information can be consulted (www.officenasenergia.es) and have profiles on social media platforms.
Concurrently, following the establishment of the Energy Offices, the Green Offices of the Canary Islands will gradually orient their focus towards priority issues for the Ministry, such as combating climate change and implementing the Canary Islands Circular Economy Strategy.
Furthermore, they will remain available to address queries from citizens, enterprises, and public bodies concerning topics like the Climate Change and Energy Law and related planning documents, acting as a conduit between the Ministry and local administrations.
In this regard, they will provide guidance on aid and subsidies associated with climate change and sustainability policies; informational support for local businesses and entities that seek it; as well as organising informational events.
