Gorona del Viento Hydro-Wind Power Plant (Renewable Energy Pioneer)

A pioneering renewable energy installation that has made El Hierro an international benchmark for sustainable energy. The **Gorona del Viento** (literally "Crown of the Wind") hydro-wind power plant, inaugurated in June 2014, is a pumped-storage hydroelectric system that works in combination with a wind farm to supply the island's entire electricity demand from 100% renewable sources during favourable conditions. The system consists of 5 wind turbines (total capacity 11.5 MW) at the top of the island, an upper reservoir at 700 metres elevation (La Caldera, 380,000 m³), a lower reservoir at sea level (Los Llanos, 150,000 m³), and a hydroelectric turbine (11.3 MW). When wind energy production exceeds demand, surplus power is used to pump water from the lower to the upper reservoir. When wind is insufficient, water is released back down through the turbines to generate hydroelectric power. Since its inauguration, the plant has achieved periods where 100% of El Hierro's electricity came from renewable sources, reducing diesel fuel imports by approximately 40,000 barrels per year. The plant offers guided tours (advance booking required through the Cabildo) at the visitor centre. This project has attracted international attention as a model for isolated energy grids worldwide and is a source of great pride for Herreños. The plant has inspired the island's slogan: "El Hierro — 100% Renovable" (100% Renewable).