ITER proposes geothermal research in Llano Grande, Tenerife.

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The  Instituto Tecnológico y de Energías Renovables, SA (ITER) has applied for a geothermal  research permit for the Llano Grande permit area on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. This permit area is located at the intersection of four municipalities: Los Silos, El Tanque, Santiago del Teide and Buenavista del Norte.

ITER is a public entity, majority owned by the Island Council of Tenerife, in charge of promoting research and technological development related to the use of renewable energies. With this proposal, ITER hopes to address the lack of information on how to use the geothermal resources of the Canary Islands.

Exploration in phases
The General Directorate of Energy has accepted the processing of the ITER application for the geothermal research permit. According to the proposal, exploration and exploitation will proceed in three distinct phases.

The first phase will be allocated to preliminary investigations based on remote sensing campaigns, thermal images and volcanic-structural and hydrogeochemical studies. This will then progress to the det  Special Data  ailed investigation phase, which will likely include surface surveys and campaigns for gas and volatile geochemistry sampling.



Once ITER has analyzed and evaluated the results of the previous phases, the third phase can begin. This will involve determining the optimal location of an initial geothermal gradient probe, as well as defining the drilling project, environmental impact assessment and other environmental and administrative authorizations.

Special consideration for protected spaces
Another consideration for this project is the fact that the proposed research occupies three protected natural spaces: the Chinyero Special Natural Reserve, the Teno Rural Park and the Corono Forestal Natural Park. Therefore, ITER must prepare a report detailing the objectives, materials, methodology, direction and work plan of the planned geochemical and geophysical campaigns.

There must be assurance that activities in the research area will not have an impact on the environment.

Public and private participation
ITER is not the only public entity that has taken the initiative for geothermal development in the Canary Islands. The public company   Society for the Promotion and Economic and Social Development of La Palma  (Sodepal) has also requested permits that allow them to carry out geothermal studies within the municipalities of Villa de Mazo and Fuencaliente on La Palma.

There are also some private companies that have entered the geothermal exploration space in the Canary Islands. In particular, RamRei Energy is working to carry out an investigation of geothermal resources in the southern part of Lanzarote, specifically in the municipality of Yaiza. In Tenerife, the energy and petrochemical company   Repsol  has obtained two geothermal exploration permits in Tajao and Isora.