Mane Energy Issue 10 - July 2018 | Page 12

12 | MANE ENERGY | JULY 2018

Spain's Balearic Islands are one of the most popular tourist regions in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. The islands are bathed in sunshine most of the year and temperatures are known to be well in the the 30s in degrees at the height of summer.

Locals unlike the tourists get to make the most of the good weather all year round. Even a cold winter in the Balearic Islands is warmer than most days in the United Kingdom. With all the hours of sunshine hitting the islands, the Spanish have looked to take advantage of the extra rays they get and have been looking for a method to ensure their beauty and well-being for many years to come.

With renewable energy being the talk on everybody's lips - Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca have gone green because "it's the right thing! says President of the Balearic Goverment, Francina Armengol.

The islands are setting the ambitious target of converting to 100% renewable energy by 2050. Whilst only a fraction of the energy comes from renewable sources at the moment, They are finding one of the biggest issues is preserving their nature where solar panels are now being installed.

They are hoping to have 10% of their energy come from renewable sources by 2020, 35% goal for 2030 and 100% for 2050.

Coal-fired generation provides currently around 43% of the power used on the islands, with some of it even coming from the mainland.