Lorraine Williamson
The planned cellulose factory in Palas de Rei, Lugo, has sparked widespread protests across Galicia. Thousands of local residents and environmental groups are voicing strong opposition to the project, citing concerns over its environmental impact.
The protests have reached a new peak ahead of another major demonstration set for May 4.
Fears over water usage and pollution
One of the main points of contention is the large volume of water the factory is expected to use. Environmental groups have raised alarms about the proposed extraction of 46,000 cubic metres of water daily. They argue it would be unsustainable and equivalent to the entire water consumption of the province of Lugo. In response, Greenfiber, the company behind the project, insists that the actual daily consumption will be closer to 15,000 cubic metres, with 46,000 cubic metres representing maximum capacity.
The potential discharge of polluted wastewater into the Ulla River also raises significant concerns. Activists claim that 30,000 cubic metres of contaminated water would be released into the river each day. Moreover, this would potentially damage the water quality. Greenfiber counters that all wastewater will be strictly purified before discharge. Moreover, assuring the public that the water will not be harmful.
Production process and sustainability doubts
The factory will produce both soluble cellulose and lyocell, a sustainable textile fibre. However, critics argue that the majority of the production will still consist of traditional cellulose, with an estimated output of 400,000 tonnes annually. Environmentalists and trade unions describe this as a “disguised cellulose factory,” raising questions about the long-term sustainability of the project. Greenfiber maintains that combining the two production processes is crucial for energy efficiency. They claim that the energy surplus from one process will support the other.
Land expropriation and local resistance
A key aspect of the project is the construction of a pipeline to supply the factory with water, which would pass through around 600 private properties. Many landowners have received notifications about potential expropriations, heightening local opposition. Although the regional government, Xunta de Galicia, has acknowledged receiving 27,000 complaints, it insists that all objections have been addressed and that the environmental impact assessment, published on March 14, confirms the project meets legal requirements.
Ecological concerns and health risks
The location of the proposed factory is within a region of significant ecological importance. The area contains rare serpentine rocks and is home to species protected under the EU’s Natura 2000 network. Environmentalists are critical of the fact that the factory’s location has not been subject to a comprehensive climate impact analysis.
Another issue of concern is the factory’s planned 75-metre-high chimney, which is expected to emit 8,700 kilograms of pollutants every day. While Greenfiber assures the public that emissions will be treated, residents remain worried about potential health impacts, such as asthma and lung cancer. Doctors are already investigating the possible long-term health effects on those living near similar factories.
Increased risk of wildfires
Environmental groups have also warned about the potential for Galicia to become a monoculture, dominated by eucalyptus trees. They argue that this would increase the region’s vulnerability to forest fires, a problem already seen in neighbouring Portugal. Xosé Gontá of Ulloa Viva has criticised the project, saying that Galicia risks becoming a raw material supplier for wealthier nations.
The controversy surrounding the cellulose factory in Palas de Rei highlights a deep divide between local communities, environmental groups, and corporate interests. As protests continue to grow, it remains to be seen whether the regional government and Greenfiber will address the concerns raised by activists and residents.
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