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Before Energy Independence
El Hierro used diesel-powered generators that consumed 6,600 tons of diesel fuel and emitted 8,700 tons of CO2 annually. -
Beginning of energy independence
El Hierro worked hard to become the first energy-independent island. They did it by joining together and sharing their scientific knowledge, commitment, and desire toward meeting their energy needs with nature, not from nature. -
El Hierro becomes a biosphere reserve
Biosphere reserves are areas comprising terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. Each reserve promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. In 2000 the (UNESCO) named El Hierro a Biosphere Reserve. This protects 60% of the island’s territory. -
Offshore Drilling Began
In August 2014, the Spanish Minister of Industry allowed an oil company, to drill in the ocean seabed near the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands is one of the largest marine areas in Europe and is one of the best areas for marine biodiversity. If an oil spill was to occur, it would virtually destroy the marine life living there, so the people of El Hierro protested. -
The Gorona del Viento Power Plant
Today, the Gorona del Viento Power Plant is a closed loop wind and water system, a set of mechanical or electronic devices that automatically regulates a process variable to a desired state or set point without human interaction.
