RAUL Garcia-Brink
Country: Spain
Nominated by: Francisco Puente ( Managing Director in Escan energy consulting)
Summary of Nominee’s Contributions
Since 2015, Raúl García Brink has led Gran Canaria’s energy transition, securing €30 million in investments, overseeing 4,000+ sustainable energy installations, and creating 1,000 jobs. As a driving force at the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, he co-founded CIEGC, spearheading renewable energy and efficiency projects while strengthening collaboration between institutions, businesses, and citizens.
His strategic use of EU funding has positioned Gran Canaria as a leader in innovative energy solutions, with his work influencing projects far beyond the island. Through policy innovation and stakeholder engagement, he has transformed Gran Canaria into a model for clean energy deployment.
Creativity and Strategic Vision
García Brink has shaped Gran Canaria’s decarbonisation strategy, integrating renewable energy, efficiency, and EU-funded projects. He led the island’s integration into the Covenant of Mayors (2016), ensuring all municipalities developed Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs). His vision culminated in Gran Canaria’s Clean Energy Agenda, approved in December 2024.
He expanded self-consumption initiatives, providing subsidies for households and SMEs, significantly increasing photovoltaic installations. His projects include 50 EV charging stations, a deep geothermal exploration initiative, and securing funding for Salto de Chira pumped-storage and Gran Canaria Arena’s energy storage system.
Beyond infrastructure, he leveraged EU funding for large-scale projects like 4ENERAGENCIES (LIFE-2024-CET-SAP), advancing offshore wind, and promoting circular economy projects. He has also prioritised public awareness through education and community engagement, making sustainability a collective effort.
Impact
García Brink’s leadership has delivered 4,000+ energy installations, €30 million in funding, and 1,000 jobs, strengthening the regional economy. His public solar and mobility projects include 17 PV installations on public buildings, 49 EV charging stations, and the Gran Canaria Arena Battery System (€1.46 million, 1.41 GWh annual solar production).
Through CIEGC, he expanded subsidies, leading to the installation of 10,569 PV panels in homes and 2,341 SME solar systems, generating 4.1 MW of clean energy. His commitment to sustainable transport has provided 862 grants for low-carbon mobility solutions.
He has also spearheaded green hydrogen for public transport (RESH2Port), secured €6 million for four energy communities, and led €15 million in deep geothermal exploration. His influence extends beyond Gran Canaria, shaping national policies and EU-funded initiatives, securing the European Entrepreneurial Region 2025 title, and earning Financial Times recognition as a top investment destination.
Leadership
García Brink has mobilised public and private stakeholders, ensuring sustainability is a collective effort. He led the creation of four new energy agencies in Spain (4ENERAGENCIES – LIFE-2024-CET-SAP) and promoted renewable solutions in Macaronesia (RESMAC – INTERREG). His work in offshore wind (BLUE SUPPLY CHAIN – INTERREG) and geothermal energy (GEOTERMAC – INTERREG) has positioned the Canary Islands at the forefront of marine and deep renewable energy.
He has prioritised education and capacity-building, developing the University Expert Course in Circular Economy for Isolated Territories (ULPGC) and leading public outreach initiatives. His youth-focused sustainability programs ensure future generations are climate-conscious.
Regularly sharing best practices at Covenant of Mayors Meetings and Climate Alliance Conferences, he aligns regional efforts with EU climate goals. Through platforms like the International Ecoislands Forum and Canagua & Energy Trade Fair, he connects policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to promote sustainable investments.
By bridging research, policy, and implementation, García Brink has accelerated Gran Canaria’s energy transition, making it a model for sustainable development across Europe.