The solar-powered cable car on Tenerife is a groundbreaking step in sustainable technology and is the first installaties worldwide.
The cable car on Tenerife has become the first installation in the world to operate entirely on green energy. This innovative system, installed in Teide National Park, allows the cable car to run independently of the power grid. The two gondolas, which transport residents and tourists from the base of Teide to the La Rambleta station at 2,356 meters, are now part of a new energy supply. This makes it the first cable car in the world to operate autonomously using photovoltaic energy, without requiring new infrastructure in this protected area.
Ecological Footprint
This revolutionary update underscores Tenerife’s commitment to environmentally friendly tourism options and positions the island as a global leader in ecological technology and sustainable travel destinations. The solar-powered system was first connected on September 24, 2024, and was officially inaugurated after a six-week trial period.
This new system, entirely powered by photovoltaic solar energy, reduces CO₂ emissions to zero. As such, the Teide cable car is the first in the world to operate completely autonomously on solar energy, without relying on the electric grid. This innovation is expected to have a lasting impact on the cable car industry worldwide.
The introduction of this system significantly reduces the cable car’s ecological footprint and reinforces Tenerife’s position as a sustainable travel destination. Here, the enjoyment of nature is combined with environmental care.
A Global Example
The Teide cable car employs the latest technological innovations. With advanced energy storage and distribution techniques, the system makes optimal use of the generated energy. Developed by Swiss, German, and Spanish engineers, the energy storage system combines solar panels with batteries and harnesses the downward movement of the cabins to ensure a stable electricity supply. The previous generator is now only used as a backup in emergencies.
During the inauguration, Rosa Dávila, president of the Tenerife Cabildo, highlighted the significance of this sustainable project: “With this project, Tenerife establishes itself as a global leader in sustainable technology within a national park. This 100% sustainable solar-powered system is a major step in reducing greenhouse gases. Today is an important day for both Teide and Tenerife, as the technological world will look to this example of sustainability,” she stated.
A Historic Investment
With an investment of two million euros, mostly from internal funds and supplemented by EU Next Generation funds, this project is one of the most significant investments in the history of the Teide cable car.
Engineers faced the challenge of creating a system that would make the cable car entirely autonomous and self-sufficient, with no connection to the conventional power grid. The Teide cable car is now one of the few facilities worldwide to operate completely independently from the grid. Thanks to solar panels installed on existing facilities, it generates 100% renewable energy without disrupting any protected areas.
Designed for Extreme Conditions
The Teide cable car is built to withstand the extreme climate conditions of the national park. With temperatures ranging from icy cold to hot and low atmospheric pressure at 2,356 meters — nearly the highest point in Spain — the materials and technology had to be carefully selected. This innovative system allows the Teide cable car to operate sustainably all year round, providing visitors with a unique, environmentally friendly experience on Mount Teide.
In addition to these challenging climatic conditions, the installation of such a complex system required compatibility with ongoing cable car operations, allowing the gondolas to continue service uninterrupted.
The energy management system for the cabins’ movement, known as the ESFOR system, was developed by the Austrian Doppelmayr Group, which includes the Swiss company Frey AG. The isolated microgrid was designed by the Canary Islands-based innovation and technology company R7, with storage technology from Cegasa (Spain) and equipment from Riello (Italy).
Guy Devos © Photography
Solar Cable Car on Tenerife ©
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