• The 15th edition of Canagua y Energía will take place on 21 and 22 October at the Agüimes Trade Fair Centre, where professionals and companies will be able to discover the latest trends and innovative models in generation, efficiency and the management of water and energy resources

In addition to promoting a sustainable development model and encouraging new business opportunities, the fair will also recognise the work of a number of people and initiatives contributing to strengthening the Canary Islands as an international reference in water management and the energy transition. Promoted by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council and the Gran Canaria Island Water Council, the Canagua y Energía 2026 Recognitions aim to highlight projects and professional careers that contribute to sustainability, innovation, conservation and the efficient use of resources.

The distinctions are presented in two categories. Sustainability and Energy seeks to recognise and encourage innovation, promote sustainable practices and highlight the importance of efficient resource management in the energy sector. Sustainability and Water, meanwhile, aims to recognise outstanding initiatives in the management, conservation and sustainable use of water, while raising awareness and encouraging action around current water-related challenges.

In the energy category, the Social and Collective Initiative recognition will go this year to the Salto a la Transición Ecológica project, for promoting from civil society a more informed energy transition adapted to the reality of the Canary Islands, helping to open up debate, raise awareness and bring citizens closer to key issues such as renewables, storage and decarbonisation.

The Business Initiative recognition will go to FSM Energías, for its renewable generation projects linked to the territory and to agriculture, water and the circular economy as strategic sectors for Gran Canaria. Its wind, photovoltaic and agrivoltaic projects reflect an approach to clean energy that is connected to agriculture, water, the circular economy and island self-sufficiency.

The Recognitions will also highlight the professional career of Rafael Martell Sánchez, a pioneer for more than 20 years in integrating wind energy, desalination, water storage and agricultural activity in a model adapted to the practical needs of the territory.

In the Sustainability and Energy category, academic work by Yraya Duque Tovar and Javier Alfredo Esteban Segura will also be recognised.

In the Sustainability and Water category, the Social and Collective Initiative recognition will go to CIFP Felo Monzón Grau-Bassas, for its contribution to training professionals in water management in Gran Canaria. The centre prepares new generations of professionals in a field that is essential for the island, promoting vocational training in the sector as a strategic element in addressing major water, environmental and production challenges.

Transvirgin, S.L. will be recognised in the Business Initiative category for its innovative management of maritime and industrial wastewater from the Port of Las Palmas, turning it into an opportunity for innovation, sustainability and the circular economy, while contributing to the protection of the marine environment and more efficient management of water resources.

The professional career recognised in this category will be that of Baltasar Peñate Suárez, for his work in desalination, energy efficiency and innovation applied to the water cycle. His career has contributed to positioning Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands as territories of knowledge and development of water solutions for island environments.

Academic work by Amanda Hernández Montesdeoca and Gara del Señor Carreño Hernández will also be recognised in the field of water sustainability.

The Canagua y Energía 2026 Recognitions will also include two special mentions. The first will go to Ainara Irigoyen Zarragoicoechea, for her technical contribution and ability to foster institutional collaboration in projects connecting water and energy. Her career stands out for an approach based on technical rigour, institutional cooperation and the ability to build bridges around key challenges for the island’s energy future.

The second special mention will recognise José Rafael “Felo” Sánchez Ramírez for his role in developing integrated energy and water management in Gran Canaria. A key figure in the development of this combined approach, Felo Sánchez has contributed in recent years to consolidating an advanced and integrated vision of water, energy, innovation and institutional cooperation in the service of the territory.

The presentation ceremony will take place on Thursday, 22 October, at 18:00, as part of the fair and as the closing event of the afternoon programme of talks and round tables.

Canagua y Energía is promoted by the Gran Canaria Island Council, through the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council and the Gran Canaria Island Water Council, and organised by Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria. Cajasiete is the official collaborator, with the support of Agüimes Town Council. Canaragua and Green Efficient support this year’s fair as Platinum Sponsors of the technical programme; Aqualia and LONGi Solar are Gold Sponsors of the Speakers’ Corner and the B2B Area, respectively; and Redstack is a Silver Sponsor.