Tenerife in the Canary Islands is set to begin geothermal surveys in January 2026 as part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and boost energy security, according to local officials. The initiative, backed by nearly \u20ac35 million in the regional renewable energy budget, could transform the island\u2019s energy landscape if commercially viable geothermal resources are found, says Innovation Councillor Juan Jos\u00e9 Mart\u00ednez.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the surveys to find geothermal sources are successful, we will radically change the energy paradigm of Tenerife,\u201d Mart\u00ednez said, pointing to geothermal\u2019s potential to deliver continuous, weather-independent power.<\/p>\n
Tenerife\u2019s move comes amid growing global recognition of geothermal energy\u2019s role in clean energy transitions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), geothermal generation can provide steady baseload electricity, helping to balance the variability of wind and solar power that increasingly dominate renewable portfolios worldwide. The IEA\u2019s World Energy Outlook<\/em> and technology briefs have underscored that geothermal\u2019s firm output is a key advantage in grids with high shares of intermittent renewables.<\/p>\n Unlike solar and wind, geothermal energy is available 24 hours a day and is not subject to weather fluctuations, a feature analysts say is particularly valuable for island grids with limited interconnections. Tenerife officials emphasize that baseload geothermal power could enable the island to integrate more renewable energy while reducing costly fossil-fuel backups.<\/p>\n \u201cThe ability to provide consistent capacity is what makes geothermal attractive,\u201d said a renewable energy analyst based in Europe. \u201cIt\u2019s one reason why islands and isolated grids are serious about it.\u201d<\/p>\n A 2024 Reuters analysis of global energy strategies noted that several regions with volcanic geology \u2014 including parts of East Africa, Iceland and Japan \u2014 are advancing geothermal projects as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions and strengthen energy independence. That report highlighted both the promise and challenges of geothermal, noting that high upfront costs and drilling risks remain barriers in many markets.<\/p>\nGeothermal: a reliable complement to variable renewables<\/h3>\n
Local and global industry context<\/h3>\n