An EU-funded wind park the Spanish island of Gran Canaria is part of the largest wind farm on the islands and contributes to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions.
- 09 November 2020
“These parks are located next to one of the existing thermal power plants on the island, so that the visual and environmental impact is zero. They are a symbol of the change from fossil to renewable energy.”
The Lomo del Moral wind farm produces 4 megawatts of renewable power and is located in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. It is operated by Ecoener and was built with the support of the EU Regional Development Fund.
Ecoener is a renewable energy company that operates several wind parks on the island, including the La Caleta, Arcos del Coronadero, Las Casillas 1 and El Rodeo parks. According to a company press release, together, these parks form the largest wind farm on the Canary Islands.
Minimal visual and environmental impact
According to Ecoener, the Lomo del Moral park consists of five E-48 model turbines. The tips of each blade have been painted bright red so they are more visible to migrating birds. The turbine shafts have been painted in natural earth tones to ensure they blend into the landscape.
“These parks are located next to one of the existing thermal power plants on the island, so that the visual and environmental impact is zero. They are a symbol of the change from fossil energy to renewable energy,” says Ecoener CEO Luis de Valdivia.
Reducing carbon emissions and cutting costs
In total, the parks are expected to produce enough energy to cover the annual electricity needs of 19 200 families. By replacing fossil fuel-based energy with renewably produced energy, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to be reduced by 1.7 million tons. Ecoener estimates that the electricity produced by the wind parks will result in a savings of EUR 76 million.
“This reaffirms Ecoener’s commitment to clean energy and to reducing polluting gases in the Canary Islands,” adds Valdivia.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Wind Park Lomo Del Moral” is EUR 4 800 000, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 4 080 000 through the “Regional Research and Innovation” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period.