Cabildo Urges Central Government to Exclude Fuerteventura from First Offshore Wind Tender
The Cabildo of Fuerteventura has lodged formal objections as part of the public consultation launched by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) on the draft ministerial order that will regulate Spain’s first competitive offshore‑wind auction.
The island corporation explicitly asks that the ER FV1 and ER FV2 zones, identified in the Maritime Spatial Planning Plans (POEM), be removed from the auction. It argues that incorporating these areas into the first competitive procedure is incompatible with Fuerteventura’s territorial, environmental, social and energy model, and that the proposal lacks sufficient technical and legal justification.
“Energy transition — yes, but not at any price”
“Fuerteventura is committed to the energy transition, but it must be adapted to the insular reality,” said Cabildo President Lola García. “Our island is fragile, with high environmental and landscape value, and the precautionary principle must apply.”
The Cabildo warns that installing large‑scale infrastructure within a nautical mile of the coastline could cause significant impacts on:
- the coastal landscape,
- marine biodiversity and birdlife,
- traditional sea‑based activities, especially fishing.
Criticism of Planning and Lack of Specific Assessment
Territorial Planning Counselor Nereida Calero pointed out that the delimitation of offshore‑wind zones is still preliminary, based on early‑stage studies, and has not involved genuine participation from the sectors that will be affected. According to the Cabildo, the fishing sector has not been properly integrated into the planning process.
Furthermore, the institution notes that offshore wind projects have not undergone a specific Strategic Environmental Assessment, despite their potential cumulative and synergistic effects on the marine environment and the island’s surroundings.
Alternative Energy Options for an Isolated System
The Cabildo also questions the need to rely on offshore wind to achieve the energy transition on an island with a small, isolated electricity system. It proposes alternatives such as:
- Self‑consumption with storage,
- Demand‑side flexibility,
- Advanced grid‑control technologies that allow higher renewable penetration without large‑impact infrastructure.
The Cabildo stresses that the marine space is a public good that must be managed in the general interest, not merely to serve private project viability. Should any offshore‑wind initiative be pursued, the Cabildo insists on the express consent of the affected local administrations and alignment with the island’s territorial planning.
“If any offshore‑wind project is to move forward, it must be consistent with our island’s planning and have the explicit agreement of local authorities,” the Cabildo added.
Consequently, the Cabildo asks MITECO to eliminate the zones located off Fuerteventura from the first auction, aiming to ensure an energy transition that respects the island’s reality and protects its environment.
The public consultation will remain open until 24 February 2026.