RIU’s green commitment: solar panels and self-generated clean energy

23 July, 2026 Share

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After making a record investment last year, RIU has taken another major step in its ecological transition in 2026 by expanding the installation of photovoltaic solar panels across 27% of its hotels worldwide. This firm commitment to energy self-consumption in destinations such as Spain, Cape Verde and the Maldives forms part of Proudly Committed, our global sustainability strategy through which we are driving a genuine transformation towards a more responsible and efficient tourism model.

Why are solar panels driving change at RIU?

At RIU, we believe that every ray of sunshine in our destinations is an opportunity to directly reduce our carbon footprint. That is why, since 2020, we have been steadily increasing our investment in energy self-generation systems.

Designing smarter hotels is not simply a corporate goal, it is a reality that we carefully tailor to the climate and location of each site, with photovoltaic solar energy playing a central role in our journey towards energy independence.

Where is RIU already generating clean solar energy?

Thanks to the continued expansion of our self-generation strategy, we have now established photovoltaic energy production in key international markets, particularly in island destinations where the sunshine provides the ideal conditions for self-consumption.

• Cape Verde, Mauritius and the Maldives: Cape Verde, Mauritius and the Maldives have successfully completed their transition to full on-site energy self-generation, following the gradual implementation of photovoltaic projects since 2024.
• Spain: Spain has made significant strides in energy efficiency, thanks to successful solar installations and upgrades at Hotel Riu Palace La Mola (Formentera) and Hotel Riu Palace Calypso (Fuerteventura).
• Other featured destinations: Countries such as Senegal, Morocco, Jamaica and Tanzania complete the list of places where our guests are already enjoying more sustainably powered facilities and services.

What other measures do we take to optimise our energy consumption?

Technology and smart design from the planning stage

Our energy-saving strategy begins long before we welcome our guests. Whether planning a new hotel or carrying out a full refurbishment of an existing property, we apply rigorous sustainability criteria, including:

• Energy-efficient LED lighting across all RIU hotels and offices.
• Ongoing technological upgrades, replacing appliances and equipment with high-efficiency certified alternatives.
• Clean heating and cooling systems using aerothermal and geothermal technology, delivering significantly better thermal performance than traditional systems.
• Automatic air conditioning shut-off in guest rooms when doors or windows are opened.
• Solar-powered garden lighting and smart timing systems that synchronise lighting with natural daylight hours.

The transition to certified green energy

In addition to generating our own electricity, we are committed to ensuring that the remaining energy we use comes from guaranteed clean sources. In 2025 we hit a major milestone: 90% of our global operations now run on certified renewable electricity.

This achievement spans 16 countries, including Canada, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Spain, Ireland, Jamaica, Mauritius, Mexico, Panama, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the Dominican Republic, Senegal and Sri Lanka.

Energy-efficiency summary table

For your next getaway, would you like to join us on our sustainable journey?

Through Proudly Committed, we want to ensure that your dream holiday does not leave a lasting impact on the planet. We invite you to discover our sustainable hotels and enjoy a unique trip where exceptional comfort and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Book your responsible stay today and experience the energy of change with us!

Frequently asked questions about solar energy and efficiency at RIU