Santa Cruz Launches Canary Islands' First Sustainable Street with Free Solar EV Charging

Santa Cruz has unveiled its first "100% Sustainable Street," a pioneering project for the Canary Islands. Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez, joined by Jéssica de León, the Canary Islands' Minister of Tourism and Employment, and local councilors Javier Rivero (Public Works) and Alicia Cebrián (Quality of Life), announced the street's completion this morning.

The new street features 180 shaded parking spaces, each covered by solar panels. These panels power electric car chargers: four are semi-rapid, charging a vehicle in about 20 minutes, and eight are standard, taking around 45 minutes for a full charge.

Mayor Bermúdez thanked the Canary Islands' Ministry of Tourism for their subsidy, which made this "pioneering installation" possible for Santa Cruz and the entire archipelago. He explained that the 180 shaded parking spaces use their solar panels to generate clean energy. This energy is fed into the local grid, providing enough power for all of Anaga avenue, including its traffic lights and street lighting.

The mayor emphasized that this project highlights Santa Cruz's long-standing commitment to energy sustainability. He noted that the city has been working to reduce CO2 emissions by installing solar energy systems in many municipal facilities, including football fields and other City Council-dependent buildings. This new street is another step towards lowering the city's carbon footprint.

Minister Jéssica de León praised the Mayor and the city council for quickly implementing their part of the 5.3 million euro "Tourist Sustainability Plan in Destination." She explained that the Ministry used Next Generation funds to support projects like this, investing 1.4 million euros specifically for these 180 parking spaces and chargers. She highlighted two main goals: improving urban mobility and providing clean charging options for electric vehicles.

De León pointed out that the 180 parking spaces are conveniently located near major transport hubs like the Interchange, tram, and port. She reiterated that the solar panels not only power the chargers but also feed energy into the street's grid. This setup allows residents to charge their electric vehicles for free, with no cost to users or the City Council.

The Minister added that the project also helps reduce CO2 emissions, making cities more sustainable – a key aim of the tourist sustainability plans. She believes this approach transforms cities, improves mobility, and helps meet climate goals. She concluded by stating that the Ministry is working effectively with city councils, having already used 80% of the allocated European funds from various initiatives.

Javier Rivero, the Councilor for Public Works, highlighted Santa Cruz's long-term sustainability strategy. He stated that the Department of Infrastructure, Public Services, and Strategic Planning has taken a significant step forward with the opening of the first 100% sustainable street in Santa Cruz and the Canary Islands. Rivero explained that while the street's construction and solar panel installation were finished earlier, the chargers themselves, though physically installed, took 5 to 6 months to get all the necessary industry approvals.

Rivero clarified that the street has four charging stations, offering eight standard charging points where vehicles can fully charge in about 45 minutes – matching the allowed parking time. Additionally, there are four semi-rapid charging points that take no more than 20 minutes. He emphasized that the system is designed for quick use: drivers charge their cars and then move them, ensuring a good turnover of spaces and keeping the service free and available to everyone.