This research report addresses two main problems identified through problem analysis: the high cost of deploying offshore wind in the Canary Islands and the region's high unemployment rates. The report aims to investigate the socio-economic feasibility of implementing offshore wind in the Canary Islands' energy system, focusing on the research question: To what extent can offshore wind be a socio-economically feasible alternative while contributing to the Canary Islands' goal of carbon neutrality by 2040, and if so, how can it be politically promoted?
To provide insights into the research question, four sub-questions were formulated and subsequently examined through individual analyses. The first sub-question explored the key stakeholders involved in offshore wind energy projects in the Canary Islands through stakeholder analysis. The second sub-question examined the technical and political environment surrounding offshore wind energy in the region using an energy system analysis. The third sub-question assessed the feasibility of offshore wind as a power generation alternative through a feasibility study. Finally, the fourth sub-question focused on developing policy recommendations to facilitate offshore wind deployment.
The report incorporated three theories: Radical Technological Change theory, Choice Awareness theory, and Innovative Democracy theory. These theories provided a framework for the analysis and helped define the analytical research approach. The analysis revealed that offshore wind projects in the Canary Islands have the potential to contribute to carbon neutrality and generate industrial and employment opportunities. However, the actual extent of these outcomes will heavily rely on the government's economic and political initiatives and the level of engagement with stakeholders.
The case study of Gran Canaria provided insights into the specific context of the island, and the findings can be to some extent generalized to other islands in the region. The report concluded that offshore wind is a socio-economically feasible alternative in the Canary Islands, but its success depends on various factors, including government initiatives and stakeholder involvement. Policy recommendations were formulated to support the deployment of offshore wind, covering aspects such as target setting, stakeholder engagement, support mechanisms, permitting processes, infrastructure development, market visibility, and regulatory stability.