Presentation on 'The Canary Islands: World Laboratory for Water and Energy Technologies' by Gonzalo Piernavieja Izquierdo, R&D&I Director, Canary Islands Institute of Technology, at 2014 UN-Water Annual International Zaragoza Conference. Preparing for World Water Day 2014: Partnerships for improving water and energy access, efficiency and sustainability. 13-16 January 2014.

1. The Canary Islands: World
Laboratory for WATER and
ENERGY Technologies

2. The Canary Islands:
World Laboratory for WATER and ENERGY
Technologies
Case Study: El Hierro
Gonzalo Piernavieja Izquierdo
R&D&I Director
Canary Islands Institute of Technology ITC

3. The Canary Islands (Spain)
Energy and Water Framew
 2 mill. inhabitants, 10-12 mill. tourists/year
 Total energy dependence on external resources
 Electricity generation from fossil fuels (oil); low heat demand
 Isolated (insular) electrical systems
 Lack of water resources (extremely low rainfall)
 Insular dimension: strategic need to maximise the use of
endogenous resources (energy+water for self-sufficiency)
 -> Importance of water-energy binomial (desalination)

4. The Canary Islands
Water Resources
 Historically, the Canary Islands have suffered water scarcity associated to: low
rainfall, high permeability of soils, over-exploitation of aquifer resources
 Conventional solutions applied:
 Groundwater catchment by horizontal water
tunnels (“galerías”) and vertical wells
 Rainwater catchment and storage
 Construction and waterproofing of reservoirs
 Efficient use of water

5. Canary Islands (non conventional) water resources (1)
Desalinated freshwater – European reference
 The first European seawater desalination plant was installed in Lanzarote island
(1964)
 Currently, freshwater total demand is 200 hm 3/year (more than 650,000 m³/day
installed, approx. 2% world capacity)
 All desalination technologies installed (VC, MED, MSF, OI, EDR, SOLAR STILLS…..)
PRODUCTION CAPACITIES
Seawater
430,000 m³/d 167 plants
Brackish
water
150,000 m³/d 146 plants
Reclaimed
66,000 m³/d
wastewater
12 plants

6. Canary Islands (non conventional) water resources (2)
Reclaimed wastewater
 Goal: to balance the hydric deficit of the islands and to promote a sustainable
management of natural resources
 15 years experience in wastewater treatment and reuse
 Recent normative and management challenges
DEMAND
Irrigation
10.40 hm³/y
41 %
Golf
Public
gardens
15.19 hm³/y
59 %

7. Canary Islands (non conventional) water resources (3)
Desalination has narrowed the gap between
water demand and production for more than 20
years, thanks to a cheap energy supply.
But the age of “easy & cheap oil” is
coming to an end and the link water–
energy is critical.
A promising option is desalination powered by renewable
energies (RE), which are abundant, clean and endless
resources.

8. Energy Framewo
The Canary Islands
 > 2.5 GW installed power, approx. 9000 GWh total el. consumption
 15% of electricity consumed in water cycle
 Abundant Renewable Energy Resources:
wind: ~ 4000 h.eq./y; sun: ~ 2000 kWh/m2/y
Electricity
generation
55,6%
Structure of internal fossil
fuels market
Combined waterelectricity
production 2,4%
Seawater desalination plants
Road Transport
29,9%
Other
(Industrial,
Residential...)
12,1%

9. European Outermost Regions (ORs)
VISION
ORs are NATURAL LABORATORIES for developing,
testing and demonstrating new technologies
which will be implemented in continental regions
(Europe and ROW), in insular regions worldwide,
as well as in developing countries
ORs are the IDEAL PLATFORMS to showcase and
transfer adapted technologies to regions of
developing and emerging countries worldwide
(and particularly of European neighbour regions)

10. The Canary Islands: Ideal Test Bench
ORs: Natural
Laboratories
Every
island
configurates
one
or
several
laboratories
for
testing
and
demonstrating
technologies, especially emerging ones.
real
new

11. SUSTAINABILIT
Y
ORs: Natural
Laboratories
The Canary Islands are fully committed to the
development and implementation of innovative energy,
water and environmental protection technologies and
policies, providing sound proof of concepts for the
whole Europe and RoW

12. Strategic Areas
ORs: STRATEGIC ELEMENTS FOR R&D AND
TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION WITH
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FOR INTERNATIONAL
COOPERATION
The Canary Islands have been carrying out succesful
international cooperation projects (especially with West
Africa and South America) for many years, developing
and transferring adapted technology, for example in the
energy, water, agriculture, fishing and public health
sectors
RENEWABLE ENERGIES AND WATER
TECHNOLOGIES
The Canary Islands Government is
deploying
technology
parks
specialized in adapting technologies
for the developing world.

13. Capacities and outstanding projects (1) - WATER
 Sustainability of the Canary Islands Water Cycle is being achieved by means
of strategical changes, technological innovations and R&D actions, aiming at:




Higher energy efficiency in the water cycle
More efficient energy recovery systems in desalination plants
Maximizing the potential of renewable energies applied to the water cycle
Promoting water reuse in the agriculture sector
 Particularly, the regional scientific community is carrying out R&D in:
 Desalination plant prototypes driven by wind and photovoltaic systems
 Water reuse strategies
 Hydrogen as energy vector for storing wind energy surplus and its
application for water desalination
 Membrane distillation and solar thermal applications for water desalination

14. ITC is a technology center specialized in:
 Energy Saving/Efficiency, Renewable Energies
 Water Technologies
 Other emerging technological sectors
 International Cooperation
(energy and water supply to peri-urban and
remote areas)

15. Capacities and outstanding projects (2) - WATER
Case 1. Off- grid wind farm coupled to 3 desalination systems (1998-2002)
○ SDAWES project (Seawater Desalination with Autonomous Wind Energy
System), connection of 3 different desalination systems to an off-grid wind farm.
EDR plant (from 3 to 7.9 m3/h).
8 RO desalination plants (1 m3/h each).
2x230 kW off-grid wind farm.
Synchronous machine (100 kW) & flywheel.
VVC plant (2 m3/h).

16. Capacities and outstanding projects (3) - WATER
Case 2. Seawater - PV desalination unit (since 1999)
○ Autonomous PV-RO system, designed to satisfy small water demands
(up to 1,000 inhabitants) isolated from the electric grid. DESSOL ® is an ITC patent.
Battery back-up system
RO unit - <3.5 kWh/m3.
PV field
Also tested a battery-less
PV-RO system
Average operation 8 h/d (summer); 6 h/d (winter).

17. Capacities and oustanding projects (4) - WATER
Case 3. Wind energy for high capacity desalination plant
○ Grid-Wind-RO system, private initiatives
On-grid wind farm
Irrigation
SWRO plant with energy recovery <3.0 kWh/m3

18. CANARY ISLANDS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (ITC)
We have accumulated 15 years of experience in the development of
solutions for the ENERGY and WATER supply to periurban/rural/remote areas
We have carried out consulting and electrification/water desalination
projects using RENEWABLE ENERGIES, as well as training and
awareness activities in:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mauritania (since 1996)
Morocco (since 1998)
Tunisia
Cape Verde
Senegal
ECOWAS

19. Technology transfer examples (I)

ITC Experience
Electrification of isolated communities with wind/solar energy
 Development and installation of small autonomous desalination
plants, powered by renewable energies

20. Technology transfer examples (II)
ITC Experience
 4 seawater desalination plants, National Park Banc d’Arguin,
Mauritania
 4 brackish water desalination plants, powered by solar energy,
Morocco
 Brackish water desalination plant powered by solar energy,
Tunisia

21. ITC MILESTONES IN CAPE VERDE
CAPACITY BUILDING AND COMPETITIVENESS RELATED TO
THE MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES IN ISLANDS
Promotion of desalination energy efficiency and using
renewable energies:
energies
•Energy audits and proposals for improvement in 5
representative desalination plants. Study of different
municipalities and design of a desalination project driven by
renewable energies for Espinho Branco (CM San MiguelSantiago island). E-learning training in renewable energy
desalination: 50 students in Cape Verde
Treatment technologies and wastewater reclamation:
reclamation
•Safe reuse of treated water Plan for Praia
•Design of an energy-less wastewater treatment plant in
Ribeira Grande de Santo Antão

22. ITC MILESTONES IN CAPE VERDE
CAPACITY BUILDING AND COMPETITIVENESS RELATED TO
THE MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES IN ISLANDS
Water awareness campaign in schools (resources and
results):
•Comics, 12 factsheets, educational workshop, training
of actors, 40 workshops and more than 1,100 students
and teachers involved in Cape Verde…
Strengthening capacities in the evaluation and control of
water quality:
quality
•Technical training, inter-comparison circuits between
laboratories, specialized seminars, web of common
resources for analytical laboratories,…

23. ITC MILESTONES IN CAPE VERDE
CAPACITY BUILDING AND COMPETITIVENESS RELATED TO
THE MANAGEMENT OF ENERGY RESOURCES IN ISLANDS
•
Capacity Building in Renewable Energy Technologies
(online and on site courses).
•
Study of energy sources, consumption and processes of
groups involved in the projects.
•
Creation of a Panel of experts to draft energy efficiency
targets in the Industrial, Agriculture and Tourism sectors.
•
Provide qualified personnel to companies and
governments to achieve planned objectives in the strategy
of the countries.
•
Implementation of energy efficiency tools in the productive
sectors.
•
Creating a public platform for consultation to resolve
technical problems, access to information and
dissemination of energy efficiency.

24. Obstacles for the Sustainable Energy Development in Islands
 Weak, isolated grids
 Fragile ecosystems (rich biodiversity, etc.)
 Lack of space for energy infrastructure placement
 Difficulties for the massive deployment of Renewable Energies
 ….

25. Technical Solutions (I)
HV/MV: Pumped Hydro (where possible)
Upper Reservoir
Hydro Power Station
Lower
Reservoir
Control
Wind Farm
Pumping Station
Desalination Plant

26. Technical Solutions (II)
 HV/MV:
Subsea electrical interconnections
LANZAR O TE
La G rac iosa
Har ia
T eg uise
T inajo
Refuerzo del enlace submarino entre
Lanzarote y Fuerteventura
San Bartolomé
S an B rt olo mé
a
Macher
Y aiza
Pla ya Blanca
66 kV
Cable Submarino
Corralejo
FU ER TEVENTU R A
L a Oliv a
Enlace submarino Gran Canaria y
Fuerteventura :
Pue rto de l Rosa rio
Las Salinas
Be tan cur ia
Ant igu a
Pajara
Tu ine je
Gran Tarajal
Matas Blancas
Punta Grande
T ias
Ar re cife

27. Technical Solutions (III)
 MV/LV:
 Distributed Generation, esp.:
 Mini- & Microgrids with high renewable energy penetration, incl.
energy storage, management of critical loads (e.g. seawater
desalination) and electrical mobility

28. CONVOCATORIA DEL OBSERVATORIO INDUSTRIAL DE CANARIAS
Resumen de las actuaciones encomendadas al ITC, S.A.
Resumen de las actuaciones encomendadas al ITC, S.A.
para la materialización de los ejes y medidas estratégicas
para la materialización de los ejes y medidas estratégicas
asociadas a la EDIC 2013
asociadas a la EDIC 2013

29. Actuación 7: PLAN DE ECO GESTIÓN EN LA PRODUCCIÓN Y
DISTRIBUCIÓN DE AGUA DE CANARIAS (20142020)
ur
a
en
t
te
v
Fu
er
El
Hi
er
ro
 JUSTIFICACIÓN (1/3):
Evolución histórica de la oferta de agua en
Canarias.
Demanda energética (%) para desalación en
instalaciones públicas en Canarias.

30. Actuación 7: PLAN DE ECO GESTIÓN EN LA PRODUCCIÓN Y
DISTRIBUCIÓN DE AGUA DE CANARIAS (20142020)
 JUSTIFICACIÓN (2/3):
Tratamientos terciarios
depuración en Canarias (2009).
Producción agua
desalada (m3/d)
Evolución kWh/m3 agua
desalada en Canarias .
Consumos específicos (kWh/m3)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
1.000 a 15.000
5,23
5,19
5,20
4,69
4,84
4,93
15.000 a 30.000
5,03
4,77
4,68
4,65
4,60
4,62
30.000 a 100.000
4,78
4,76
4,72
5,05
4,64
4,61
Perdidas en redes de distribución asociadas a centros de producción de agua
desalada que han solicitado ayuda a la desalación, por islas (%)
2012
2013
2009
2010
2011
18,50
16,88
TENERIFE
22,48
21,51
19,88
GRAN CANARIA
30,58
30,71
26,52
26,13
27,03
FUERTEVENTURA
23,43
26,13
26,16
20,92
20,22
LANZAROTE
46,39
50,82
51,51
54,82
55,90
EL HIERRO
22,82
22,89
10,00
23,01
23,16

31. Actuación 7: PLAN DE ECO GESTIÓN EN LA PRODUCCIÓN Y
DISTRIBUCIÓN DE AGUA DE CANARIAS (20142020)
 JUSTIFICACIÓN (3/3):
La gestión integral del agua en Canarias requiere cada vez de más recursos energéticos para
acciones como la captación de aguas del acuífero, la desalación, el transporte y la distribución
hasta los puntos de consumo, así como para su tratamiento en los sistemas de depuración de
aguas usadas y su posterior regeneración y reintroducción en el sistema.
El binomio agua-energía en Canarias es tan importante como complejo de gestionar.
Las instituciones gestoras canarias incurren en unos costes energéticos, y por tanto económicos,
muy importantes.
Estas circunstancias ponen en riesgo la sostenibilidad ambiental y económica de muchos sistemas
de abastecimiento de agua.
En conclusión: se requiere un posicionamiento estratégico que planteé objetivos
globales y actuaciones destinadas a mejorar la eficiencia y promover el ahorro
energético en la gestión del ciclo integral del agua.

32. Actuación 7: PLAN DE ECO GESTIÓN EN LA PRODUCCIÓN Y
DISTRIBUCIÓN DE AGUA DE CANARIAS (20142020)
 MISIÓN:
Mejorar la eficiencia técnica y energética empleada en los procesos que intervienen en el
ciclo integral del agua dentro del entorno urbano; incorporando las herramientas, los
mecanismos y la tecnología necesaria para permitir llevar a cabo dicha misión, previendo
mecanismos de financiación que puedan hacer realidad las actuaciones previstas.
Ya no se trata simplemente de obtener agua en CANTIDAD y CALIDAD suficiente para
satisfacer las demandas de la población y de las actividades económicas. Ahora se trata de
gestionar los recursos disponibles ( económicos, energéticos, naturales y humanos) en pro
de dar un servicio recuperando todos los costes, incluidos los ambientales, y sin
sobrepasar los límites económicos que la sociedad está dispuesta a asumir.
 VISIÓN:
Se concibe el Plan como una hoja de ruta para la administración pública canaria con
competencia en materia energética para apoyar y facilitar el desarrollo y mejora de los
procesos tecnológicos asociados al ciclo integral del agua urbano, y por consiguiente, en
reducir los costes económicos que conllevan la producción, distribución y regeneración
del agua en Canarias, repercutiendo directamente en beneficio del consumidor final, en
este caso la ciudadanía.

33. Actuación 7: PLAN DE ECO GESTIÓN EN LA PRODUCCIÓN Y
DISTRIBUCIÓN DE AGUA DE CANARIAS (20142020)
 ÁREAS DE ACTUACIÓN:

34. Actuación 7: PLAN DE ECO GESTIÓN EN LA PRODUCCIÓN Y
DISTRIBUCIÓN DE AGUA DE CANARIAS (20142020)
 3 GRANDES EJES DE ACTUACIÓN:
 Eje 1: MEJORA DE LA EFICIENCIA ENERGÉTICA EN EL CICLO DEL AGUA.




Incremento de la eficiencia en bombeos mejorando el rendimiento y los mecanismos de
regulación.
Mejora de la eficiencia energética en el ámbito de la desalación.
Mejora de la eficiencia energética en el ámbito de la depuración.
Mejora de la eficiencia y la gestión energética en el ámbito de la reutilización.
 Eje 2: INCREMENTO DE LA CONTRIBUCIÓN DE LAS ENERGÍAS RENOVABLES ASOCIADAS AL
CICLO INTEGRAL DEL AGUA.



Autoconsumo con energías renovables en el sector de la desalación, depuración y regeneración de
aguas.
Sistemas de aprovechamiento de energías renovables de generación distribuida con control de
cargas eléctricas y almacenamiento, asociadas a la desalación, depuración y reutilización.
Sistemas aislados de tratamiento de aguas con energías renovables.
 Eje 3: MEJORA DE LA EFICIENCIA HIDRÁULICA DEL CICLO INTEGRAL DEL AGUA.


Reducción de pérdidas en las redes de distribución de agua.
Mejora de la gestión documental y de los sistemas tarifarios.

35. El Hierro: first 100% RES Island
Commissioning in 201
278 km
2
10.500 inhabitants
7 MW peak
40 GWh/y
demand (Diesel)

40. 100% renewable energy supply
• Design and construction of a Wind•
•
•
Hydro Power Station
Installation of solar collectors &
modules
Evaluation of biomass exploitation
possibilities
Transport. Sustainable Mobility
• Environmental Education

41. El Hierro: 100% RES Island
Wind – Pumped Hydro Power Station
Construction finishe

42. Wind-Hydro Power Station

43. Wind-Hydro Power Station
Wind Farm
11,5 MW
Hydroelectric Substation
11,3 MW
Pumping Station
6 MW
Upper Reservoir
Lower Reservoir
400.000
m3
150.000
m3

46. EXPLOTACIÓN SISTEMA EL HIERRO

47. Upper Reservoir

51. Conductions

54. Lower Reservoir

57. Hydro-Station

59. Pumping-Station

63. Wind Farm

66. Thank you!
gpiernavieja@itccanarias.org