Fuerteventura and Lanzarote shut the door on the government's Renewable Acceleration Zones
Both island councils demand an energy transition that protects territory and island landscape
The island councils of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have joined forces to reject the Renewable Acceleration Zones (ZAR) model promoted by the Canary Islands Government’s Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy.
Through a joint manifesto, the president of the Lanzarote council, Oswaldo Betancort, and the president of the Fuerteventura council, Lola García, have voiced a firm stance in defense of their territories, landscapes, and an energy‑transition model tailored to the realities of both islands.
The release of the initial maps for these zones has sparked social concern, as they could facilitate the rapid deployment of large energy installations on rustic land. According to the councils, this approach is incompatible with the territorial model of two islands that have built their development around the protection of their landscapes and natural heritage.
Both institutions remind that Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are deeply committed to environmental protection and are recognized as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (Lanzarote Biosphere Reserve and Fuerteventura Biosphere Reserve).
The councils argue that the energy transition should prioritize installing renewable systems on roofs and existing buildings before encroaching on rustic land. They also call for rigorous studies to assess the real potential for deploying renewables within current infrastructure.
In addition, both institutions have expressed concern over the decree approved in January 2026 that eliminates environmental assessments for certain projects located in Renewable Acceleration Zones. They have asked the Canary Islands Parliament to restore the mandatory environmental evaluation for all projects.
Finally, the councils insist that island authorities must have the final say in territorial authorizations for energy projects and reaffirm their commitment to developing renewable energy provided it respects the territory and the landscape.