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Vilaflor takes a step towards sustainability with the initiation of a geothermal project that aims to harness the heat from the subsoil to generate electricity. The initiative, driven by a public-private consortium, was presented to residents with the commitment that the tests will not affect the water supply destined for the agricultural sector or domestic consumption.
Geothermal Energy in Vilaflor
The town of Vilaflor de Chasna, in the south of Tenerife, is gearing up to host one of the most innovative energy projects in Canary Islands: deep geothermal exploration for electricity generation. The consortium in charge of the project, Energía Geotérmica de Canarias, has assured residents that the surveys to be conducted will not jeopardise the water supply, especially for the primary sector.
During an informative meeting held at the Municipal Library, project representatives explained to the local population the measures adopted to minimise any impact on water resources. The mayor, Agustina Beltrán, emphasised that one of the goals is not only to generate sustainable energy but also to utilise part of the groundwater for the benefit of the municipality.
Meeting held this week in Vilaflor to explain the geothermal project. / El Día
Who is Promoting the Project?
The project is led by the consortium Energía Geotérmica de Canarias, a public-private entity formed by:
The consortium aims to utilise the heat from the Tenerife subsoil to produce electricity through a renewable, clean, and constant energy source.
Measures to Protect Water
The director of DISA Renovables, Joaquín Gurriarán, explained that agreements have been reached with water supply companies to ensure that the tests do not affect agricultural or domestic uses. As a preventive measure, water from the Fonsalía desalination plant, in Guía de Isora, is being stored to fill the Trevejos reservoir, located near the urban core of Vilaflor.
«We have worked in advance to guarantee the necessary supply during the works without compromising current users», pointed out Gurriarán. This planning includes ensuring reserves before starting the deep surveys, which could reach 2,500 metres in depth.
Geothermal Energy: A Clean and Constant Energy Source
During the project presentation, the consortium president and island councillor for Innovation, Juan José Martínez, highlighted that Tenerife is the most advanced island in the Canary Islands in terms of geothermal energy. He assured that this technology will allow progress towards energy sovereignty with less environmental impact than other renewable sources.
According to Martínez, geothermal energy:
- Occupies 22 times less space than other renewable sources.
- Provides a continuous supply, not dependent on sun or wind.
- Will facilitate more economical access to energy for intensive activities.
Meanwhile, Nemesio Pérez, director of INVOLCAN and scientific director of ITER, noted that initial explorations point to the existence of promising geothermal resources, with temperatures exceeding 150 degrees at great depths.
Public Information and Project Monitoring
The authorities insist on maintaining open communication with the public throughout the process. This type of project is part of strategies to achieve the energy transition objectives set by the Government of the Canary Islands, within its plan for decarbonisation and energy self-sufficiency.
The initiative is also part of the commitments made by Spain in the context of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals related to access to affordable and clean energy.
