El Hierro, the first 100% renewable energy island

El Hierro biosphere reserve, RE island strategy.

The island of El Hierro, with a population of 12,000 inhabitants, will become by the end of 2013 the first island territory in the world able to power itself entirely from renewable energy sources. For the first time the traditional problem of intermittency of renewable energy sources is overcome through combining the power generation of a wind farm with a hydraulic accumulation system.

The hydro-wind project consists of a wind farm, a pumping unit and a hydroelectric plant. The wind farm supplies electricity directly to the network and simultaneously feeds the pumping unit that raises water to a higher reservoir dam, which works as energy storage system. The power plant uses the stored potential energy, ensuring power supply and network stability.

This hydro-wind project will avoid the annual consumption of 6,000 tons of diesel, equivalent to 40,000 barrels of oil imported by boat to the island, saving over 1.8 million euro yearly. Likewise, it will avoid the emission of 18,700 tons of CO2 per year into the atmosphere. That amount of CO2 is equivalent to that fixed by a forest of 10,000-12,000 hectares, an area equivalent to 17,000 football fields.

This energy sustainability strategy aims not only at electric self-sufficiency. Taking into account that about 50% of energy consumption is due to internal transport, the El Hierro Biosphere Reserve, with the support of IDAE and the Canary Islands Government, has launched the Sustainable Mobility Plan (PDMS). The PDMS is a clear commitment for a change in the transportation modes and vehicles aimed at local population and tourists. El Hierro bets on the generalization of electric vehicles and alternative modes of transport, and gives also high priority to public transport, with solutions such as shared taxis, or innovative solutions such as transportation on request.

More information about 100% power supply project | Gorona del Viento