Tenerife School Launches Solar-Powered Sports Canopy in Green Energy Pilot

The Canary Islands’ public education sector has taken a significant step toward greener energy with a new project at IES Adeje in Tenerife. The Ministry of Education has launched a tender for a pioneering sports court canopy that doubles as a solar power plant. By integrating photovoltaic panels directly into the roof’s structure, the design eliminates the need for traditional supports.

This innovative approach, which has only one other precedent in Spain, marks a shift in how school facilities are managed. By combining sun protection with clean energy generation, the project makes the most of available space. Iván Carro, the Director General of Infrastructure and Equipment, stated that this initiative will serve as a pilot program to see if the model can be expanded to other schools across the islands.

The project also includes electric vehicle charging stations, supporting the region’s goals for sustainable travel. It is funded by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Mechanism, which supports the modernization of public infrastructure.

This development is part of a broader 30-million-euro strategy by the Ministry to improve thermal comfort and combat rising temperatures in classrooms. So far, 329 schools have seen improvements, with 14 million euros specifically earmarked for creating shaded areas and installing renewable energy systems. Through these efforts, the government aims to adapt public schools to the changing climate while turning recreational spaces into valuable energy assets for the community.