In a crucial development for the energy sector, the European Union’s Court of Justice (TJUE) has provided much-needed clarity, affirming the legality of the procedures followed in Galicia for authorizing wind energy projects. This ruling is a significant boost for the Spanish wind industry, represented by the Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE), as it aims to unblock nearly a hundred stalled projects in the region, urging institutions to take necessary measures to restore their progress.
The pronouncement by the High European Court definitively confirms that the environmental assessment and public participation mechanisms applied in recent years for wind farm processing, which had been questioned by the High Court of Justice of Galicia, are compatible with community law. This decision effectively removes the legal uncertainty that had paralyzed the development of nearly a hundred wind farms in Galicia, representing approximately 2,500 MW of vital clean energy capacity. The Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE) has underscored the enormous social and economic cost this structural paralysis has imposed on businesses and, more significantly, on rural communities and the Galician economy over the past three years.
The halting of these wind projects, many with industrial investments already committed, has severely hampered the energy transformation, job creation in rural areas, and the fulfillment of the EU’s ambitious decarbonization objectives. Galicia, boasting immense renewable potential, has fallen significantly behind, installing only 171 MW between 2020 and 2024, a stark contrast to the 6,000 MW installed across Spain during the same period. This unprecedented blockage of a strategic industrial sector has generated a very negative precedent for industry, investment, and employment within the territory. As Juan Virgilio Márquez, AEE’s General Director, stated: “This resolution restores confidence to developers, reinforces the credibility of the legal framework, and allows us to urgently resume the path of wind development in Galicia. We are not just talking about competitive energy; we are talking about qualified employment, value-added industry, rural environment improvement, territorial cohesion, and compliance with climate commitments. Now it is time to act quickly and responsibly so that the projects that have been paralyzed can resume their activity as soon as possible.”
This ruling not only re-energizes local economies and creates employment opportunities, aligning with broader socio-economic goals, but it also critically contributes to global sustainability efforts. By enabling the swift resumption of these wind projects, Spain strengthens its commitment to ODS 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), ensuring a greater supply of clean, renewable power for its citizens and industries. Furthermore, the accelerated deployment of wind energy directly supports ODS 13 (Climate Action), driving down carbon emissions and combating climate change. The contrast between Galicia’s stalled 2,500 MW and Spain’s recent 6,000 MW highlights the significant contribution these projects can make to national and international decarbonization targets, showcasing the urgent need to unlock this potential for a greener future.
As the legal obstacles are cleared, the onus now shifts to swift and responsible action from all stakeholders. The question remains: how quickly can we translate this legal victory into tangible megawatts, driving the energy transition forward and ensuring that the full potential of renewable energy is harnessed for a truly sustainable future, both locally and globally?
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