Wind energy in Galicia is once again at the center of legal disputes. The region’s highest court (TSXG) has revoked the permit for the A Ruña III wind farm, located in the municipality of Mazaricos (A Coruña province). The ruling cites a lack of a comprehensive environmental assessment, which should have considered not only the installation itself, but also the power line and its proximity to protected natural areas.
This decision marks an unexpected turn for the sector, which had only just begun to recover after a long period of uncertainty. As recently as the summer of 2024, the European Court (TJUE) gave the green light for wind energy development in the region by lifting the freeze on 70 projects. However, the local court has now sided with environmental activists, concluding that Galicia’s authorities failed to consider all aspects of the environmental impact.
As a result of the permit cancellation, not only are investments in A Ruña III at risk, but the future of dozens of other projects is also in jeopardy. According to the Galician Wind Energy Association, around 86 projects with a combined capacity of 4,000 megawatts and investments exceeding 3 billion euros are currently frozen in the region. Most have faced years of delays awaiting final approval due to ongoing litigation and difficulties with document clearance.
Economic and social impact
The situation is causing concern among business leaders and authorities. In their view, such decisions undermine legal stability and could drive away investors. Wind energy has traditionally been seen as a key driver of economic growth in Galicia, creating jobs and boosting local budgets. Now, the industry risks losing thousands of new jobs and billions of euros in investment.
The authorities in Galicia have already announced their intention to appeal the court’s decision to the Supreme Court of Spain. They argue that the local court went against the position of national and European institutions, which previously supported the development of wind energy in the region. Meanwhile, industry representatives fear that new legal battles could drag on for years, costing the region its chance to become a leader in renewable energy.
The future of wind energy in Galicia in doubt
There are currently 191 wind farms operating in Galicia, with a combined capacity of nearly 4,000 megawatts. However, the volume of projects now in limbo is comparable to the energy capacity already in operation. This has created a unique situation in which a region with huge potential for green energy development is unable to realize it due to legal and administrative barriers.
Experts note that the further course of events will depend on decisions by the higher courts and the authorities’ ability to find a compromise between environmental demands and business interests. For now, Galicia remains an example of how complex legal procedures can hold back even the most promising sectors of the economy.
