Santa Cruz de Tenerife Unveils the Canary Islands’ First Fully Sustainable Street

In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, Santa Cruz de Tenerife has inaugurated the first street in the Canary Islands designed to be completely sustainable. This groundbreaking initiative marks a pivotal moment in the region’s commitment to eco-friendly infrastructure and sustainable urban development.

Innovative Features for a Greener Future

The newly completed street, which was officially opened on Tuesday, showcases a range of innovative features aimed at promoting sustainability. Among its most notable attributes are 180 shaded parking spaces equipped with advanced photovoltaic panels. These panels serve a dual purpose: they not only power electric vehicle chargers but also provide essential lighting for the entire Anaga avenue, including traffic signals and street lamps. This integration of renewable energy sources into urban infrastructure is a testament to the city’s forward-thinking approach to environmental challenges.

Located at the Marítimo Park esplanade, the project includes four semi-rapid chargers and eight standard charging stations. This infrastructure is designed to cater to the growing number of electric vehicles on the road, ensuring that residents have access to convenient and sustainable charging options. The emphasis on renewable energy not only supports electric vehicle usage but also contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of the city.

Government Support and Community Impact

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several key figures, including Jéssica de León, the Councillor for Tourism and Employment of the Government of the Canary Islands, along with Javier Rivero and Alicia Cebrián, who hold the positions of Councillors for Works and Quality of Life. During her speech, De León highlighted that this initiative is a crucial component of the Sustainable Tourism Plan, which aims to enhance the region’s appeal while prioritizing environmental responsibility.

De León also emphasized the role of Next Generation funds in facilitating an impressive investment of €1.4 million for this infrastructure project. This financial backing underscores the commitment of local authorities to foster sustainable development and improve the quality of life for residents. The strategically positioned parking spaces near vital transport hubs, such as the Intercambiador, tram lines, and the port, ensure that residents can easily access these free and clean charging options for their electric vehicles.

Efficiency and Accessibility of Charging Stations

Javier Rivero provided valuable insights into the operational efficiency of the charging stations. He noted that standard chargers require approximately 45 minutes to fully charge a vehicle, while the semi-rapid chargers can complete the process in just 20 minutes. This efficient design not only maximizes the use of the parking spaces but also enhances vehicle turnover, making it easier for more users to benefit from the charging facilities.

Rivero further emphasized that the charging service is available free of charge to all users, making it an accessible option for the entire community. This initiative is expected to encourage more residents to transition to electric vehicles, thereby contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.

Community Engagement and Future Prospects

The launch of the first fully sustainable street in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is not just about infrastructure; it represents a broader commitment to engaging the community in sustainable practices. By providing free charging options and promoting the use of electric vehicles, the city is fostering a culture of environmental awareness and responsibility among its residents.

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, the city plans to monitor the usage of these charging stations closely. Feedback from the community will play a crucial role in shaping future initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability in urban areas. The success of this project could serve as a model for other cities in the Canary Islands and beyond, inspiring similar efforts to integrate renewable energy into urban planning.

Key points

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife has inaugurated the first 100% sustainable street in the Canary Islands.
• The street features 180 shaded parking spaces with photovoltaic panels for electric vehicle charging.
• Four semi-rapid chargers and eight standard charging stations are included in the installation.
• The project received an investment of €1.4 million from Next Generation funds.
• Strategically located near key transport nodes, the street offers free charging options for residents.
• Standard chargers take about 45 minutes, while semi-rapid chargers can charge vehicles in 20 minutes.
• The service is free and accessible to all users.