Oip

Technology and Science in the Canary Islands

  • The first astronomical expedition in the Canary Islands

    The first astronomical expedition in the Canary Islands
    The British astronomer Piazzi Smyth showed for the first time that high altitude sites provide clear advantages for astronomical observing in Tenerife.
  • Establishment of the Olsen Family

    Establishment of the Olsen Family
    It was developed to connect the islands of the archipelago via the shortest routes. The first ferry journey was from San Sebastián de La Gomera to Los Cristianos.
  • Installation of the first European seawater desalination plant

    Installation of the first European seawater desalination plant
    It was installed on Lanzarote island. Currently, it is very demanded. And the wastewater is demanded for irrigation and golf public gardens.
  • Foundation of The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias

    Foundation of The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias
    It was founded at the University of La Laguna, located in Tenerife. And another one is located in La Palma (Roque de los Muchachos Observatory).
  • The Canary Islands is considered a "macro laboratory"

    The Canary Islands is considered a "macro laboratory"
    The islands have vast reserves of natural resources and are one of the world's richest areas of biodiversity (80% of Spain's total biodiversity is concentrated in the Canary archipelago).
  • Period: to

    Installation of the wind farm

    Wind energy is transformed into electrical energy. Only El Hierro achieved being the first island that is able to be maintained by renewable energy.
  • El Hierro is declared a Biospehere Reserve

    El Hierro is declared a Biospehere Reserve
  • Creation of Gorona del Viento in El Hierro

    Creation of Gorona del Viento in El Hierro
    In the 90s, the island started to plan how to become an island of 100% renewable energy.
  • Foundation of The Spanish Algae Bank (Gran Canaria)

    Foundation of The Spanish Algae Bank (Gran Canaria)
    It has a collection of more than 1.500 strains.
  • Historical evolution of the offered water in the Canary Islands

    Historical evolution of the offered water in the Canary Islands
  • Lanzarote is a place to train astronauts

    Lanzarote is a place to train astronauts
    NASA and ESA use Lanzarote's lanscapes of twisted mounds of solidified lava to test "Mars Rovers", remote controlled vehicles designed to travel on the surface of Mars. But also to prepare astronauts for expeditions to other planets like the Moon and Mars.
  • Detection of the seismic activity

    Detection of the seismic activity
    There were detected 1.527 earthquakes in the Canary Islands in 2018. More than the last years.
  • Film industry in the Canary Islands

    Film industry in the Canary Islands
    This year more than 350 films were made in the archipelago. The islands became a good place to film a wide variety of movies.
  • Installation of the Elisa (wind turbine in the sea off the coast)

    Installation of the Elisa (wind turbine in the sea off the coast)
    It is located in Gran Canaria. The wind turbine tower together with the height of the blade make a total of 160 meters.
  • Eruption of the volcano in La Palma

    Eruption of the volcano in La Palma
    Thousands of inhabitants had fled their homes after a volcanic eruption. The molted lava destroyed everything in its path before reaching the sea 10 days later.
  • 155 productions were recorded in the Canary Islands

    155 productions were recorded in the Canary Islands
    The Canary Islands are a perfect natural setting for any production. Like the landscape in Lanzarote.
  • New public transportation system between islands

    New public transportation system between islands
    Hydroplanes have begun trailings between Tenerife and La Palma.
  • Fossils in Fuerteventura (the oldest island)

    Fossils in Fuerteventura (the oldest island)
    Canary Islands have shells called STROMBUS BOBONIUS, that have 100.000 to 180.000 years (Quaternary period).
  • Geology of the Canary Islands

    Geology of the Canary Islands
    The Canary Islands are dominated by volcanic rock. The islands are still volcanically active due to the hot spot over them (the most accepted theory).