"Installing renewables isn’t as difficult as it seems, you just have to explain it well"

What exactly is the IBE and what functions does it perform?

The Balearic Energy Institute (IBE), is part of the Regional Ministry of Business, Self-Employment and Energy. We’re in charge of promoting everything related to renewable energy on the islands: installing facilities, offering technical advice, and encouraging self-consumption and energy efficiency.

What’s the current status of the energy transition in the Balearic Islands?

There’s still a long way to go. Although progress has been made, especially in solar energy, renewables barely make up 10% of the Balearic energy mix. We’re also working to make electric mobility less exclusive and more mainstream.

Is solar the most widespread renewable source on the islands?

Yes, without a doubt. Solar is clearly at the top. Meanwhile, we only have one wind farm, the Milà wind farm in Menorca, and there are plans for a floating wind farm in the Menorca Channel. But there’s still a long way to go.

What milestones would you highlight in this process?

A key one is collective self-consumption. The IBE is promoting this so that people living in flats or renting—who cannot install solar panels on their homes—can benefit from facilities nearby. It’s a way of democratising access to clean energy.

What barriers are still holding back the deployment of renewables?

One is the administrative process, which involves both the Balearic Government and local councils. Another is the legal restriction on the radius of collective self-consumption, which is currently just 2 km. We’ve asked the Ministry to extend it, especially in an island region like ours.

How are you bringing the energy transition closer to citizens?

Through the Energy Transition offices. These are spaces where anyone can find out about subsidies, self-consumption, electric mobility, etc. in clear, non-technical language. We also organise workshops on energy efficiency: from when to use electrical appliances to the simple act of turning off switches.

Has citizen interest in these issues increased?

A lot. Consultations have doubled compared to last year. People are realising that the energy transition is not just about ecology, but also about the domestic economy. And in a region with as much economic strain as the Balearic Islands, that makes all the difference.

How useful is the Atlas solar panel plan you’re developing?

This plan will make it possible to know the solar potential of every roof or farm on all the islands. We want all citizens—or local councils—to be able to find out from their mobile phones whether their building is suitable for installing solar panels. This will allow us to promote concrete measures, such as local tax benefits.

How can local councils be more involved in this process?

Lots of councils are already involved. But we need a more educational approach. To show that installing renewables is not that difficult. If we also reduce administrative barriers and the deployment is organised, it will be easier. The closer we are to citizens, the more successful we’ll be.

And what role does digitalisation play in all this?

It’s essential. The IBE monitors each self-consumption facility, and we are working on a ‘data portal’ to assess how much renewable energy is generated in each municipality. This allows us to make more effective decisions.

What about green hydrogen? What potential does it have on the islands?

It’s a brand-new technology, still in its early days, but with a long way to go. It won’t be a large part of the mix, but it can cover specific uses not served by other technology, such as certain industrial processes.

The law sets 2040 as the key year for moving away from fossil fuels. Is this a realistic goal?

It’s an ambitious but necessary goal. We’re already seeing more buildings with solar panels, more charging points, more awareness. But to achieve this, new technology must also be developed, and deployment must be sped up. Renewables are the future, and we must provide the means for that future to get here on time.