A small Canary Island is setting the gold standard for renewable energy, using wind and water to power its way toward total self-sufficiency while becoming a global model for sustainable living.
Ofelia de Pablo and Javier Zurita report for The Guardian.
In short:
- El Hierro, one of the smallest Canary Islands, now generates about 50% of its annual electricity demand from renewables, avoiding 18,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
- The Gorona del Viento hydro-wind power plant combines wind turbines with water reservoirs to store energy and ensure a steady power supply.
- The island’s commitment to sustainability extends to organic farming, marine conservation and efforts to fully decarbonize within 15 years.
Key quote:
“Scientists from around the world come to study us and see how they can implement the project in their own territories. We are a constantly evolving laboratory.”
— María Candelaria Sánchez Galán, operations head, Gorona del Viento hydro-wind power plant
Why this matters:
El Hierro, the smallest Canary Island, is rewriting the rules of what a self-sufficient, renewable-powered future could look like. This isn’t just an energy experiment; it’s a living, breathing template for a planet grappling with the climate crisis. Read more: We don’t have time for another fossil fuel bridge.
