The initiative, which will be debated in the next plenary session of the Granada City Council, seeks to declare projects for renewable electricity generation on rural land as "contrary to public and social interest" when not intended for self-consumption. This measure arises in response to growing public concern over the proliferation of these installations, particularly in areas of high landscape value such as the area between El Fargue and the Darro Valley, which has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest.
“"This proposal stems from the responsibility to protect those spaces that are part of Granada's identity and constitute a natural, landscape, and cultural heritage that we must preserve for future generations. The energy transition is necessary, but it must be compatible with the protection of the territory and with a balanced city model that respects its landscape."
The proposal is part of the drafting process for the future General Municipal Planning Plan (PGOM), which will include the delimitation and regulation of rural land uses. Recent technical studies have identified unique enclaves within the municipality that have maintained an unaltered landscape, with significant agricultural and forestry values and high-value scenic views towards Sierra Nevada. In these areas, the City Council aims to limit large-scale infrastructures that could significantly alter their physiognomy.
The spokesperson emphasized that, until the initial approval of the PGOM, the City Council cannot effectively suspend licenses for these projects. Therefore, the motion seeks to adopt preventive measures to prevent initiatives that could compromise these spaces from proceeding. The proposal also aligns with Instruction 1/2025 of the Junta de Andalucía, which allows renewable uses on rural land provided they are not prohibited and the values motivating land preservation are protected.
The motion proposes declaring large-scale installations in protected areas incompatible with public interest, allowing only small-scale installations intended for self-consumption, as these are considered to be adequately integrated into the environment without generating irreversible impacts.
“"It is about anticipating, ordering the territory with criteria, and providing a clear response to citizens. We want to ensure that Granada's development is carried out with a balance between environmental sustainability, economic progress, and respect for our heritage."
