Canary Islands Launch Solar-Powered Tunnel Initiative to Cut Energy Costs
The Canary Islands have launched a solar-powered pilot project at the El Bicho tunnel, marking the start of a broader initiative to integrate renewable energy into the region's public road infrastructure.
The Canary Islands have taken a major step toward greener public infrastructure by installing solar panels to power the road network. As part of a new pilot project, the El Bicho tunnel in Santiago del Teide is now equipped with 306 solar panels at its north and south entrances.
The project, which cost 274,094 euros and was carried out by the public company Tragsa, is expected to save 35,000 euros annually on electricity. The energy generated will power the tunnel’s lighting, security systems, and daily operations.
This initiative is part of a wider decarbonization strategy led by the Ministry of Public Works, Housing, and Mobility, with technical support from the Technological Institute of the Canary Islands. The regional government has set aside 1.3 million euros to bring this model to other key locations, including the La Cumbre tunnels in La Palma, the Pino Seco tunnel in Gran Canaria, and the Butihondo junction in Fuerteventura.
Regional Minister Pablo Rodríguez described this shift as a permanent change in how the islands manage public works, moving renewable energy from a theoretical goal to a practical, daily necessity.
The new system is set to go live in the coming weeks. By generating clean energy directly at the site of consumption, the government aims to lower costs, reduce reliance on the traditional power grid, and align the islands' road network with European energy efficiency standards.