Fuerteventura refuses offshore wind at any cost

The Cabildo of Fuerteventura has formally asked the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) to exclude the marine wind zones off the island from the draft ministerial order that will regulate Spain’s first competitive marine wind tender.

In a statement, the island corporation specified that it seeks the exclusion of zones ER FV1 and ER FV2, which are currently included in the Maritime Spatial Planning (POEM) plans. The Cabildo argues that incorporating these zones into the inaugural competitive procedure is incompatible with Fuerteventura’s territorial, environmental, social and energy model, and that it lacks sufficient technical and legal justification.

“Fuerteventura is fully committed to the energy transition, but not at any price nor in any way,” said Lola García, President of the Cabildo.
“Energy planning must adapt to the reality of each territory, and for a fragile island with high environmental and landscape value like Fuerteventura, the precautionary principle is essential.”

García added that large coastal infrastructures cannot be proposed without clear justification, social consensus, and a proper assessment of cumulative impacts on the territory, landscape and local economy.

The Cabildo also deems a minimum distance of one nautical mile from the coast unacceptable, given the island’s pronounced landscape and environmental sensitivity—recognised both in territorial planning instruments and the Strategic Environmental Assessment. Deploying marine wind farms under such conditions would:

• Harm marine biodiversity and avifauna
• Degrade the coastal landscape
• Undermine traditional socio‑economic activities linked to the sea

Moreover, the Cabildo questions the necessity of relying on marine wind to guarantee Fuerteventura’s energy transition. It points out that more suitable technical and environmental alternatives exist for a small, isolated island grid, such as:

• Self‑consumption combined with storage
• Demand‑side flexibility
• Grid‑forming control technologies

These solutions could increase renewable penetration without the need for large‑impact infrastructure.

Finally, the Cabildo argues that designating marine wind zones based on private project viability is inappropriate, as the marine space is a public good that must be managed in the general interest. Should any marine wind project be pursued, the Cabildo insists that explicit consent from the affected local administrations must be a prerequisite, ensuring alignment with territorial planning, the public interest, and social acceptance.