Learn more about Canary Islands

Some info about the region

  • The Canary Islands are a Spanish Atlantic archipelago near Africa with about 2.25 million people
  • Tourism drives their economy thanks to their sub-tropical climate and volcanic scenery.

Economic activity in the region

The services sector—especially tourism—drives the Canary Islands’ economy, accounting for nearly 40% of GDP and employment.

Millions of visitors each year make it one of the world’s leading tourist destinations.

While not industrially heavy, the islands hostkey energy-intensive activities, notably desalination.

Supplying fresh water to residents, agriculture, and tourism consumes over 10% of total electricity, making it a top priority for energy efficiency and renewable integration

 

 

Innovation interests in the region

  • Renewable Energy and Sustainable Water Management
  • Aerospace and Earth Observation
  • Biotechnology and Health Sciences
  • Tourism Innovation
  • Astronomy and Space Research

Priorities of the regional RIS3 strategy

  1. Smart & Sustainable Tourism
  2. Blue Economy (Marine-Maritime)
  3. Astro-space & Aeronautics
  4. Circular Economy & Bio-sustainability
  5. ICT & Digitalisation
  6. Agroindustry
  7. Health & Wellbeing

The region is strengthening its innovation ecosystem, led by institutions such as:

  • University of Las Palmas
  • University of La Laguna
  • PLOCAN
  • Astrophysics Institutes
  • Technological Parks
  • SPEGC
  • ACIISI
  • PCTT

Innovation Achievements

The Canary Islands stand out as front-runners in:

  • Renewable Energy and Sustainable Water Management
  • Aerospace and Earth Observation (Canary Islands Geo Innovation Program 2030)
  • Tourism Innovation
  • Astronomy and Space Research
  • Algae development

Strengths:

  • Established industries (cement, power generation)
  • Strong quality standards and certifications
  • Active renewable energy and innovation projects
  • Effective use of local resources (volcanic materials in cement)
  • Good natural conditions for renewal energy (sun, wind, marine current power)

Weaknesses:

  • High dependency on imported fossil fuels
  • Poor environmental data transparency
  • Infrastructure and logistical constraints (isolated grids)
  • Limited sector diversity and scale
  • Fragmented territory (8 small islands)

Opportunities:

  • Significant renewable energy projects (3 GW floating offshore wind by 2030)
  • Investment in green hydrogen cluster (€100M initial investment)
  • Circular economy initiatives and waste valorization
  • Digital transformation and industrial diversification
  • Tourist sector awareness

Threats:

  • High vulnerability to global energy price volatility
  • Severe water scarcity and resource constraints (dependence on desalination)
  • Geographic isolation limiting growth potential
  • Regulatory pressures and EU climate transition impacting traditional industries
  • Climate change (island territories are more vulnerable)

Road Map

  • Establish a Regional Tourism Energy & Sustainability Task Force

  • Launch the annual "Green Tourism Forum" in Gran Canaria

2027

  • Align Policies under a "Tourism for Sustainability Pact"

  • Enact Targeted Legislation

  • Expand Data Infrastructure for the Tourism Sector

  • Launch at least 3 public awareness campaigns on Energy and Water Use

  • Establish a university-industry "Living Lab" program

2028

  • Track Carbon Footprints at Business Level - aim for 100 SMEs

  • Launch a support initiative to retrofit existing hotel infrastructure

2029

  • Retrofit 10 large hotels by 2030 and reduce energy use per guest-night by 30%

  • Advance transport electrification in key tourist areas

  • Convert 25% of public bus fleets in tourist-heavy areas to electric.

  • Expand Renewable Generation Linked to Tourism Areas

  • Scale the Innovation Ecosystem through Public-Private Partnerships

  • Incubate at least 5 startups or pilot projects in tourism tech

2030

  • Improve Energy-Water Nexus Resilience

  • Upgrade 1 desalination plant with energy recovery systems.

  • Pilot circular water systems in 2-3 tourist facilities

  • Train 500 workers in green tourism competencies

2031
Canary Islands
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Canary Islands