The purpose is to quantify the extension and intensity of the surface geothermal anomalies in Timanfaya National Park and to evaluate its thermoelectric generation potential in order to contribute to the development of geothermal energy in Lanzarote. 

The Institute of Technology and Renewable Energies participates in a scientific cooperation work in Lanzarote within the frame of the project “Design and experimental development of prototypes for electricity generation by means thermoelectric effect in volcanic surface geothermal anomalies, co-financed by the State Research, Development and Innovation Programme of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, the State Research Agency and ERDF funds.

The Tenerife Energy Agency (AIET), the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME), the Public University of Navarra (UPNA) and the Canary companies Constant Solar and AIRMEDIA360 participate in this project led by the Volcanological Institute of the Canary Islands.

The initial stage of the project consists in mapping the surface geothermal anomalies of the Timanfaya (Lanzarote) and Teide (Tenerife) volcanic systems using infrared aerial thermography and soil thermometry.
During the month of November, the georeferenced thermal flights began in Timanfaya. These flights used thermal infrared camera coupled to a dron from the Canary Island Company AIRMEDIA360, in order to detect and delimit the existing geothermal anomalies associated with the eruptive fissure that led to the eruptions of 1970-76 and 1824. The area to be evaluated is framed in a rectangle of approximately 3.5 x 2 km (7 km2), located inside Timanfaya National Park.

The ultimate goal of this project is to test the possibility of generating electricity from surface geothermal anomalies using thermoelectric technology. The innovative character of this project lies in the fact that it is the first time that geothermal energy is to be transformed into electricity by means of passive methods (Peltier cells) and also in a totally environmentally friendly way. It is a technology based on solid state physics that does not require moving parts or implement expensive mechanical elements, so, in addition to minimizing maintenance, does not modify the natural environment or alter the balance of the geothermal system.

The works carried out in Lanzarote have the logistical support of Cabildo de Lanzarote, Timanfaya National Park and the company TRAGSA.