Wind Energy Sector's Procedures Found Legal by Galician Court of Justice

In a significant development for the wind energy sector in Galicia, Spain, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled in favour of authorising various wind projects in the region. This decision is expected to give Galicia's wind energy industry the boost it needs to contribute to the country's energy transition process.

Juan Virgilio Márquez, a prominent figure in the wind energy sector, has highlighted the need for quick and responsible action to resume wind development in Galicia. Márquez, who has likely served in a leadership or influential position related to the development or management of wind energy projects in the region, emphasises the potential for Galicia to make a significant contribution to the wind sector but has noted that it has fallen behind due to formal issues.

The ECJ ruling confirms that the environmental assessment and public participation mechanisms applied in recent years in the processing of wind parks are compatible with EU law. The ruling also prioritises the superior public interest that EU legislation attributes to renewable energies, overruling any legal interpretations of the Spanish legal framework that may have hindered wind development in Galicia.

The paralysis of wind projects in Galicia has reached historical levels, setting a very negative precedent for industry, investment, and employment in the territory. Currently, there are 92 wind farms with ongoing judicial resources in Galicia, representing approximately 2,500 MW. The delay in wind development has caused significant damage to companies, rural society, and the Galician economy.

The ruling is a definitive turning point for the wind energy sector in Galicia, according to the Asociación Empresarial Eólica (AEE). The association also requests the Galician High Court of Justice to expedite processes for legal security. Juan Virgilio Márquez echoes this call, urging the court to expedite the processing of affected wind energy files.

Galicia has installed only 171 MW in the 2020-2024 period, while Spain installed 6,000 MW in the last five years. This gap in wind energy production has been a serious brake on energy transformation, job creation in rural areas, and the achievement of EU decarbonization objectives.

However, Galicia's renewable potential is immense, and the region cannot afford any more delays in wind development. The resolution restores confidence to wind energy promoters and strengthens the credibility of the legal framework in Galicia. The wind energy sector in Galicia requests the Galician High Court of Justice to seize this opportunity to expedite processes, ensuring a swift and responsible resumption of wind development in the region.

In summary, the European Court of Justice's ruling in favour of Galicia's authorisation of various wind projects marks a significant step forward for the wind energy sector in the region. The ruling prioritises the superior public interest attributed to renewable energies by EU legislation, overruling any legal interpretations that may have hindered wind development in Galicia. The ruling is expected to give wind energy in Galicia the boost it needs to contribute to the country's energy transition process, create jobs in rural areas, and help achieve EU decarbonization objectives.