El Hierro's Hydro-Wind Facility Fails to Meet Energy Goals in Spain
El Hierro's Gorona del Viento hydro-wind facility, launched in 2014 to fulfill half of the island's electricity needs, has consistently failed to meet its energy goals, achieving only 28 days of full operation since its inception. Despite a reduction in diesel consumption, the facility has only replaced about 10% of fossil fuel use, with renewable energy hours declining significantly over the past three years. Plans for a solar power plant are in progress, but the project faces ongoing challenges regarding energy reliability and effectiveness.
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El Hierro, the smallest Canary Island in Spain, launched the Gorona del Viento hydro-wind facility on June 27, 2014, intending to meet half of its electricity needs. The facility, equipped with five wind turbines generating 11.5 MW, has struggled to provide adequate power, managing only 28 consecutive days of full operation since inception.
Data shows a decline in renewable energy hours supplied: 1,328 hours in 2021, 1,008 in 2022, and 413 in 2023. Despite reducing diesel consumption, the facility has replaced only about 10% of fossil fuel use.
Diesel backup remains necessary, and the current pumped-storage reservoir size limits effectiveness. Plans for a solar power plant are underway, but challenges remain with energy reliability. The project cost estimates range from 64.7 to 82 million euros, with a low capacity factor of 15%. Critics argue that reliance on fossil fuels remains simpler and cheaper.
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