Costa del Sol Offshore Wind Farms Proposal Faces Opposition
Local councils and environmental groups have rejected plans for offshore wind farms on the Costa del Sol, citing environmental and tourism concerns. The Maritime Space Management Plan (POEM), a sea planning authority, approved the advancement of offshore wind farms on February 28. The projects, led by IberBlue Wind and Ferrovial, include two off the Malaga coast.
Local Councils Criticize Lack of Dialogue
The Association of Municipalities of the Costa del Sol has criticized the state government for proposing plans without proper dialogue with local councils. Angeles Munoz, the Mayoress of Marbella, has voiced her opposition to the offshore wind farm project, stating that it threatens their primary industry, tourism. The Municipality of Fuengirola has yet to comment on the project, stating they need more detailed information. The local authority’s main concern is the potential impact on the fishing sector.
Fishermen Express Concern Over Potential Impact
Fishermen in the area are worried that the proposal could significantly affect their activities. Manuel Haro, the president of the Fishermen’s Association of Marbella, has pointed out that the project could harm shrimp and lobster trawlers that fish about 15 miles from the coast. The wind farms could affect four boats in Marbella and 15 in Fuengirola. Haro has called for the State to engage in dialogue with the fishermen’s collective to provide more information on the project.
Environmental Impact Worries Ecologists
Ecologists in Marbella have also expressed concern about the potential environmental impact of the project. They have highlighted the seagrass meadows in Calahonda, the lighthouse of Calaburras, and the dunes of Cobopino, which are protected areas. The group has emphasized that increasing the number of artificial structures in a transit area for different species between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic could negatively affect marine fauna. The proposed wind farms would be floating but anchored to the ground, which could obstruct these migratory routes.
Concerns Over Migratory Bird Routes and Wind Intensity
The location of the planned projects is along key migratory routes for birds from the European continent to Africa. Ecologists believe the visual impact to be minimal, expecting that the wind farms will not be visible from the promenade in Marbella. However, they were surprised that one of the proposed locations is between Marbella and Estepona, where the wind may not be intense enough to justify the planned projects and their maintenance. They suggested that the Strait of Gibraltar or the coast of Galicia would be better suited to such wind farms.
Related News
In related news, Spain’s government has approved an offshore wind farm plan for small designated sections. Meanwhile, Benidorm in Spain has embarked on a tree planting spree to improve the environment. In Andalucia, residents of Ronda are celebrating as plans for enormous solar panels were thwarted on environmental grounds.
