Lanzarote and Fuerteventura Reject Renewable Acceleration Zones, Demand Island Protection
The Island Councils of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have issued a joint manifesto rejecting the Renewable Acceleration Zones (ZAR) model promoted by the Canary Islands Government’s Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy. They argue that the energy transition must be compatible with the protection of the islands’ territory and landscape.
The president of the Lanzarote Island Council, Oswaldo Betancort, and the president of the Fuerteventura Island Council, Lola García, presented their position following the publication of the delimitation maps for these zones, which have raised concerns among large sectors of the population on both islands.
According to the two island institutions, the philosophy behind the ZAR—accelerating administrative procedures for the installation of large energy facilities—could encourage projects on rural land, potentially harming the landscape, the territory, and the development model of both islands.
Defense of the Landscape and Territorial Model
The manifesto reminds that Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, territories where landscape and natural heritage protection have been central to the island development model for decades.
For this reason, the councils assert that the energy transition cannot come at the cost of territorial degradation, and that any energy policy must adapt to the singular territorial, environmental, and scenic characteristics of the islands.
Prioritising Renewables on Roofs and Buildings
The councils also note that the current regional legal framework already establishes priority for installing renewable energy on roofs and existing buildings before occupying land for new facilities.
They cite the Canary Islands Electricity Sector Regulation Law and the Canary Islands Climate Change and Energy Transition Law, which promote photovoltaic systems on new or existing constructions as the core of the energy model.
Consequently, they call for rigorous studies on the real potential for renewable installations on roofs and existing infrastructure before considering the occupation of new rural spaces.
Concern Over the Removal of Environmental Assessment
Another point of contention is the Canary Islands Government’s decision—approved by decree in January 2026—to eliminate environmental assessments for certain renewable projects located in Renewable Acceleration Zones.
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura consider this a step backward for environmental protection guarantees, especially in island territories with high landscape sensitivity.
They therefore request the Parliament of the Canary Islands to restore the mandatory environmental assessment for all renewable projects developed in these zones.
Reclaiming the Role of the Island Councils
Both island institutions demand the restoration of their decision‑making capacity in territorial energy planning, arguing that the councils should have the final say in authorising renewable projects on each island.
They emphasize that the councils directly know the territorial, social, and environmental realities of their islands, making their involvement essential for sound energy planning.
“Yes to Renewables, but Not at the Expense of the Territory”
“Yes to renewables, but not at the expense of the territory or the island landscape.”
In their joint stance, the councils reaffirm their commitment to energy transition and renewable development, but insist that this process must be carried out with respect for the territory, island planning, and the will of citizens.
Accordingly, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura call on the Canary Islands Government to open an institutional dialogue and joint planning process to design an energy model adapted to the islands’ territorial realities.
The message is clear: support renewable energy, but never at the cost of the islands’ territory or landscape, which remain among the most valuable assets of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.