Renewables: there is no time to lose
Catalonia's current renewable energy capacity is 5,018 MW. The target for 2050, to meet the European requirement of zero emissions, is to reach 61,861 MW. The work to be done is enormous and urgent. The starting point is deplorable. We are at the bottom of the list in Spain. The philosophy nimby (not in my backyard(Not in my house) has made a hole. It's gone too far.
The fight against climate change demands a cross-cutting commitment from all territories, all levels of government, and all economic and social actors. Many people will have to change their mindset. There's no other option. It's unacceptable that a country like Catalonia, with abundant wind and sunshine, doesn't want to take advantage of them. The alternative is to continue depending on nuclear energy and, therefore, on aging power plants. And on polluting fossil fuels, at a cost that, right now, due to the war in Iran, is skyrocketing. The other alternative is to accept dependence on external renewables and, therefore, the construction of a large number of high-voltage power lines throughout the territory to receive the energy coming from Aragon or beyond: the rest of Spain has done its homework on renewables.
The Territorial Plan for the Implementation of Renewable Energies (PLATER), presented this Wednesday, is a call to action that implies assuming responsibilities. This is especially true for local councils, which are the ones that feel the pressure from citizens most acutely. Local political power is a key and sensitive element for the development of solar and wind energy. They will have to educate the public and fulfill their part. We must all understand that the landscape impacts will be a necessary evil. In absolute terms, the numbers are manageable: the plan establishes that the non-urbanized land that renewables must occupy in Catalonia to meet the objective is 1.2% of the total surface area, or 1% (314 km²).2) for photovoltaics and 0.2% (69 km2) for wind power.
Once the three-month public comment period and subsequent resolution of these comments have passed, the plan is expected to be definitively approved by early 2027, paving the way for the construction of renewable energy parks and the development of small-scale self-consumption projects. Roofs across the country, both public and private, must be covered with solar panels, and windy regions with wind turbines. No one can be left out. The regions that will have to contribute the most photovoltaic capacity are Noguera (2,042.5 MW), Solsonès (1,753.2 MW), Bages (1,684 MW), Anoia (1,658 MW), Alt Empordà (1,526.4 MW), and Segri. Those contributing the least are Alta Ribagorça (29 MW), Vall d'Aran (32.4 MW), and Pallars Sobirà (65.1 MW).
Inexplicably, the current contribution of Alt Empordà is practically nil. This must change. Everyone must contribute to curbing the climate crisis and guaranteeing Catalonia's energy sustainability. For the sake of the country, for economic reasons, and for environmental reasons. Incidentally, the Platero plan does not include offshore wind power (the Roses Bay wind farm is currently under consideration), which falls under the jurisdiction of the central government and is nevertheless also necessary. The electrification of the Catalan economy requires a major boost to renewable energy. It is urgent.
