Sodepal applies for geothermal survey permits in La Palma, Canary Islands

Lighthouse of Fuencaliente, La Palma (source: Xosema, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Carlo Cariaga 21 Jun 2023

The public company Society for the Promotion and Economic and Social Development of La Palma (Sodepal) has recently applied for mining permits that are necessary to conduct geothermal surveys within the municipalities of Villa de Mazo and Fuencaliente in La Palma in the Canary Islands.

This public-private union led by the Cabildo de la Palma through Sodepal had previously adapted its statutes to participate in the promotion of high-enthalpy geothermal energy as a source of renewable electricity in La Palma. Through the Renewable Energy Management Center (CGER), Sodepal aims to develop the first geothermal power plant in Spain and promote La Palma as a technical-scientific hub.

The application for the mining permit was endorsed by Cabildo de la Palma and supported by the Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias, SA (INVOLCAN) and WARA Environmental Engineering.

Application for aid

The project will require an initial investment of up to EUR 30 million for the necessary works and surveys. Sodepal aims too acquire about half of this investment from the aid program that had recently been announced by MITECO deep geothermal feasibility studies in Spain.

If the site is proven viable, a subsequent investment of up to EUR 70 million will be needed for the construction of a power plant. This may be the first geothermal power station in Spain of this technology.

The Minister of Industry and Energy, Carlos Cabrera, stated that “it is not an easy task but it is undoubtedly an inalienable opportunity. That geothermal energy will finally exist on the island will mean a substantial change in the current energy model, opting for one that is much more economically and environmentally sustainable”.

Source: Cabildo La Palma

Carlo Cariaga

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