The Cabildo Converts the Altavista Refuge into a Model Facility for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
The infrastructure will feature a self-consumption system based on renewable energies and a wastewater treatment station
The Cabildo of Tenerife continues its comprehensive rehabilitation of the Altavista Refuge, an infrastructure located at 3,260 metres above sea level in the Teide National Park. Among the improvement tasks, sustainability, energy efficiency, safety, and adaptation to the natural environment in high mountain areas are essential. A 59.5 kWp photovoltaic plant is being installed, with an estimated annual production of nearly 100 MWh, equipped with high-efficiency solar modules and an advanced battery storage system. This solution will ensure a clean, stable energy supply suited to the extreme conditions of altitude, low temperature, and high solar radiation.
The President of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, states, “The Altavista Refuge was closed in the previous term, and we have been working intensively on its rehabilitation. These are complex tasks because they are carried out at high altitudes, but we are going to have a model facility not only for visitors but also in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency with the installation of photovoltaic panels and the wastewater treatment station.”
“The modernisation of the Altavista Refuge reinforces Tenerife’s commitment to a responsible and sustainable tourism model, adapted to the environmental challenges of the 21st century. Its symbolic and functional value makes it a national and international benchmark in the sustainable management of high mountain natural spaces,” affirms Dávila.
Meanwhile, the Councillor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, and Safety and Emergency Services, Blanca Pérez, asserts that one of the central axes of the project is “the energy transformation of the refuge through a self-consumption system based on renewable energies specifically designed for high mountain settings. This system will cover a significant portion of the energy demand of the refuge, including lighting, heating, appliances, telecommunications equipment, environmental control, and auxiliary services, drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Director of Natural Environment, Pedro Millán, explains that the Cabildo has requested a grant under the FEDER Canary Islands 2021-2027 programme, corresponding to the 2025 financial year. Specifically, they have processed a course dedicated to energy efficiency projects, renewable energies for self-consumption, and storage systems, as part of the ‘Green Transition’ initiative by the Department of Ecological Transition and Energy of the Government of the Canary Islands. “In total, we have requested €270,000 and are awaiting confirmation of the amount allocated to us. This funding will enable the establishment of a high-efficiency, resilient energy infrastructure with a low ecological footprint, aligned with European objectives for decarbonisation and climate change adaptation,” explains Millán.
Works at the Altavista Refuge
The renovation works at the Altavista Refuge represent an investment of approximately €1.8 million, being carried out by the company Fachadas Dimurol S.L. It is anticipated that the works will be completed this year, allowing the public access to a facility that has been closed since 2020.
The improvement and rehabilitation works will involve the renovation and conditioning of existing areas within the same building volume, enhancing their functionality, as well as improvements to insulation and ventilation. Furthermore, the annexed module to the existing concrete platform will be rehabilitated, intended to house battery and fire pump installations. Similarly, energy efficiency measures will be implemented, and PVC pipes will be installed for the collection of wastewater generated at the Refuge leading to the Treatment Station.
The Treatment Station for up to 25 equivalent residents will include a coarse screen or grease separator, an Imhoff tank, a biological filter or sampling chamber, a shelter with filter bags for sludge dehydration, an absorbent pit, and masonry walls for the protection and integration of the facilities.
Safety, Operability, and Emergency Response
Given its location and extreme climatic conditions—with temperatures below -8 ºC and winds exceeding 200 km/h—the Altavista Refuge serves a critical role as a safety point and emergency response in high mountain settings. The infrastructure will feature a nursing area and spaces designated for incident management, providing support to climbers, technical staff, and rescue services.
Altavista Refuge
Built in the 19th century, the Altavista Refuge has historically been a key support point for hikers ascending Spain’s highest peak. Its reopening will restore an essential space for mountaineers and for environmental conservation and sustainable tourism in the Teide National Park.
