The Island of El Hierro is once again an example of renewable energy. The Gorona del Viento hydroelectric plant has been able to supply the island with only renewable energy from January 25 to February 12 uninterruptedly.
How has this been possible?
Over the course of last year, the company in charge of the hydroelectric plant has ensured that 46,5% of all the energy consumed in El Hierro comes from renewable sources. This power plant has become a key piece in the energy integration of the island.
With a duration of 1.974 hours, the Gorona del Viento plant has been able to supply the island with only renewable energy. This has been possible thanks to the strong winds that have made the wind turbines move faster and for longer.
So far in 2018, the wind has allowed the intervention of polluting technologies in the coverage of demand for 560 hours. Gorona del Viento has been able to reach a renewable power of 20.234 megawatts, increasing its renewable capacity by 5,8% compared to the previous year. This represents a new historical record in the world of renewables.
Gorona del Viento began operating at full capacity in July 2015 and, since then, it has been a fundamental piece for the integration of renewable generation in the electrical system of El Hierro.
Although the plant was only operational in 2015 during the second half of the year, it managed to cover 19,2% of total demand. In 2016 it reached 40,7% and in 2017 46,5%. As can be seen, each year more renewable energy is achieved. Before the creation of the plant, in 2014, renewable energy on the island so it only accounted for 2,3% of all electricity demand.
Since its entry into operation, Gorona del Viento has avoided the emission of nearly 30.000 tons of CO2, an example to follow.