A serious conflict is brewing in the small El Fargue district on the outskirts of Granada, home to just over five hundred residents. The reason is plans to build three large solar power plants just two kilometers from the famed Alhambra and the Generalife gardens. Local residents, having formed an initiative group, are demanding the project be halted, fearing for the future of the environment and the city’s historical character.
The planned plants, named San Gregorio, Stadium Plus, and Soto Oscuro, are set to occupy nearly 100,000 square meters between El Fargue, the Sacromonte district, and the Alhambra palace. The project is being promoted by the company Bobery Lane Estate and is currently under review by the municipality and regional authorities. The city administration, led by Marifrán Carazo, is responsible for issuing building permits, while the government of Andalusia oversees environmental impact assessments and administrative approvals.
Residents fear that installing solar panels on the hillsides will lead to the removal of some olive groves, which currently protect local soils from erosion and flooding. In their view, replacing green areas with panels could increase the risk of flooding in the Darro River valley and permanently alter the familiar landscape. Several political groups in the city have joined the protests, supporting the citizens’ demands.
There is particular concern about the potential impact of the new facilities on the appearance of the Alhambra, Spain’s most visited landmark. Project developers assure that the panels will be almost invisible since they will be installed on southern slopes hidden from major viewpoints. However, experts and representatives of international heritage organizations argue that the risks to historical heritage are being underestimated. The Icomos Committee, affiliated with UNESCO, has already voiced alarm and strongly recommends that work be suspended until a comprehensive cultural impact assessment is conducted.
There have already been cases in Andalusian history where similar projects sparked heated controversy. Two decades ago, the proposed construction of a skyscraper in Seville ignited debate over its potential to spoil the historical cityscape. Now, a similar situation is unfolding in Granada, with both environmental concerns and the World Heritage status at stake. The question of how to balance the development of renewable energy with the preservation of the city’s unique character remains unresolved, fueling intense debate among residents, politicians, and experts.
