Back in the XVth century the Bimbaches, the aboriginals of El Hierro, worshiped a sacred giant tree they called Garoe. This tree, probably a Til, was able to, through condensation, distil water from the ever-present trade winds thus creating water deposits that meant life for the island's first inhabitants.

 

Many centuries later the hydro-wind power plant of Gorona del Viento aims at achieving sustainability in the island using the same simbiosis of wind and water.El Hierro, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, attracted the world's attention in 2016 when it became a hundred percent self-sufficient and green for a short period of time, using only renewable energy. In February 2018 that period grew to 18 consecutive days, and 47% of the electricity consumed in the island in 2017 was clean. The goal is to reach the 100%. The essence of the island, the wind and the water, are at the core of its revolutionary system to generate electricity, a first worldwide, with a combination of a wind farm and a hydro-power station.

 

In addition, this initiative has triggered a virtuous circle, with the people and politicians of El Hierro trying to make their island the greenest in the world. For example, they want all vehicles to be electric soon, they're promoting the use of solar energy and experimenting with wave power, and are trying to achieve zero waste and hundred percent ecological products in the island.

 

El Hierro has become a world reference in sustainability; a giant open-air lab where green technology and environmental initiatives are tested, a model and inspiration for the future and a dream of what could be achieved worldwide if these initiatives were developed at a global scale.