Else Beekman
The Spanish Council of Ministers has approved the construction of the Maestrazgo Cluster, a project that will include 125 wind turbines in the southeast of Teruel, spanning the Maestrazgo and Gúdar-Javalambre regions. This project represents the largest renewable energy initiative ever processed in Spain.
Despite the project’s scale, the government has remained silent on its approval, avoiding any mention in the subsequent press conference. This is due to strong opposition from local residents and political parties, including coalition partners Sumar and regional party Teruel Existe. This party defends the interests of ’empty Spain’.
The Maestrazgo Cluster received its environmental impact declaration in 2022, after reducing the number of turbines from 161 to 125. The Ministry for Ecological Transition (Miteco) also had to relocate 36 turbines to meet environmental and landscape compatibility criteria and to optimise the use of wind resources.
Project scope and environmental impact
The project covers approximately 71,500 hectares, with the site stretching about 45 kilometres from north to south and 30 kilometres from east to west. The installation will require the construction of over 58 kilometres of access roads and more than 116 kilometres of internal roads within the wind farms.
Potential ecocide and tree felling
Teruel Existe has called for an immediate halt to what they describe as an “ecocide,” warning that the project could result in the felling of two million mature trees and the destruction of nearly 2,000 hectares of land. Tomás Guitarte, the party’s spokesperson in the Aragón Parliament, criticised the project as an example of improper renewable energy deployment, benefiting a Danish multinational and unscrupulous local figures. He argued that the environmental damage would remain in Aragón while other regions reap the benefits of the development.
Guitarte also criticised the Aragón PSOE, claiming they played a significant role in pushing the project despite widespread social opposition. He highlighted the contrasting stance of the PSOE in Huesca, which supported local councils in opposing similar projects by Forestalia.
Political reactions
Vox has also opposed the Maestrazgo Cluster, accusing the PSOE of disregarding Aragón’s interests. They particularly criticised Sumar’s Congress member Jorge Pueyo, from the Chunta Aragonesista, who expressed reservations about the project. Vox suggested that if CHA and Sumar were truly opposed to the project, they should leave the government coalition.