Wind Energy Projects and Local Opposition in Galicia: A Growing Challenge

Tuesday 14 January 2025 - 14:42

In northwestern Galicia, one of Spain's most scenic regions, Jose Maria Cofreces operates a guesthouse, attracting tourists with its natural beauty. However, the area's reputation for high winds has made it a prime location for developers of large wind farms, some towering over 50-story buildings. Cofreces is among the many locals who have voiced opposition to these projects, claiming that they threaten both their lifestyle and the environment.

Galician protesters have adopted legal strategies similar to rural communities across Europe, challenging wind energy developments in court. They argue that wind farms would disrupt the landscape, drilling into mountains and covering them with concrete. One of the proposed farms near Cofreces’ property would feature 12 turbines, each over 170 meters (558 feet) tall.

These projects are part of a broader push for wind energy in Spain, which has one of the largest wind power capacities in Europe, second only to Germany. However, local opposition has slowed efforts to expand this capacity. Galicia, in particular, has experienced significant setbacks, with no new wind energy capacity added in 2022 and 2023. From 2020 to 2023, just 69 MW of new capacity was installed.

While there is support for renewable energy in the region—three-quarters of Galicians favor more wind power—organized opposition is growing. Groups in Galicia and other European regions have launched sophisticated legal challenges, often funded by crowdfunding, to target weaknesses in the permitting process. These efforts have led to delays and project cancellations, with some regions like East Germany and Sardinia also passing laws restricting wind farm development.

In Galicia, legal battles have affected 98 wind projects, with 243 lawsuits filed against 90 of the 137 planned initiatives. This growing opposition presents a significant challenge to the expansion of wind energy, potentially jeopardizing the region's ability to meet its green energy targets.