Model project for climate-friendly seawater desalination
Drinking water is scarce on the Atlantic island of Fuerteventura. Electricity from diesel generators is used to desalinate seawater. An energy-efficient water supply is essential for the environment and agriculture. Only ten percent of the food consumed on the island is still produced locally.
Wind and solar power could provide 100% clean energy for seawater desalination and generate additional water for agriculture and revitalization of the island.
Protect the Planet is therefore initiating the island pilot project “Bluegreen Fuerteventura.” Together with local initiatives and local politicians, we are promoting the vision of climate-friendly seawater desalination on the island.
Heat, desertification, declining water supplies, fueling the climate crisis
The problem of water supply on Fuerteventura is well known and serious. For centuries, more groundwater has been needed than can be supplied by rainwater. Increasing tourism has further exacerbated the situation. The steadily declining water supply has led to desertification in parts of the island.
Huge diesel generators accelerate the vicious cycle of climate crisis, drought, and heat.
The current solution: no solution
Currently, seawater is converted into drinking water using fossil fuels. This is an expensive and energy-intensive process, with electricity supplied by a diesel power plant. It is supported by government subsidies for oil, backed by influential interest groups. The resulting CO2 emissions and particulate matter pollution pose a threat to humans and the environment.
- more conferences and congresses
- Research for local hotspots and stakeholders
- Identification of EU funding instruments
- implementation phase
- Convert water supply to 100% renewable energy in several steps. An initial pilot plant has successfully demonstrated that this is possible.
- To produce enough water to allow parts of the island to be reforested and independent agricultural production to be established.
- Phase 1: Several conferences and congresses
- Phase 2: Identification of local hotspots and stakeholders
The future: drinking and industrial water from renewable sources
Water through renewable energies (RE) is the urgently needed solution and the declared goal to soon supply Fuerteventura with energy in an energy-efficient and clean way.
Protect the Planet launched the initiative in 2015 under the name Aguasol and is supporting the island government in this project.
Since 2024, great progress has been made.
The Blue-Green Fuerteventura initiative in the local press:
- April 6, 2017 Visit by the Protect the Planet Foundation to City Hall
- January 20, 2020 ‘Protect The Planet’ offers to implement sustainable projects in Fuerteventura
- September 24, 2024 The Protect the Planet Foundation will actively participate in the CLIMA 24 Conference organized by the Biosphere Reserve in October.
- September 24, 2024 Protect the Planet at CLIMA 24 in Fuerteventura
