The new Law 2/2024 of Galicia, published in the Diario Oficial de Galicia (DOGA), came into effect on November 12. It imposes a fee on the infrastructure for evacuating offshore wind energy and relaxes the requirements for the installation of wind farms outside the designated areas.

This measure responds to Galicia’s 2030 Energy Agenda, an effort by the Xunta to maximize the social and economic benefits of the energy sector in the region.

The law establishes a compensatory fee on offshore wind energy evacuation infrastructure, which will apply to projects in Galician territory. The revenues from this fee will be allocated to environmental conservation and compensatory measures, benefiting municipalities and sectors impacted, such as fishing, by the installation of these infrastructures.

Additionally, the regulation allows for wind farms to be installed outside the Wind Development Areas (ADE) outlined in the Galician Wind Sectoral Plan, as long as they meet certain environmental criteria and align with the social benefits stipulated by the law.

Fernando Vivas, Business Development Director at Adelanta, believes that while the regulation has the potential to bring benefits to Galicia, its implementation could have complex implications.

“It’s positive that the aim is to keep the benefits of wind energy in Galicia, but it’s essential that this is done in a way that does not affect the stability or confidence of investors,” he says in an interview with Energía Estratégica España.

He also points out that, being a complex issue, it will require “several months and much dialogue with other political groups and all the affected sectors” to develop regulations that improve the current framework and are compatible with national and European legislation.

The new law also paves the way for the repowering of existing wind farms. The Xunta of Galicia aims to have developers focus not only on creating new installations but also on optimizing the performance of already operational wind farms, a measure that could improve energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

“In eight years, 3,000 wind turbines have been installed, becoming part of the Galician landscape, and they will be reduced to about 600 turbines; that is, an 80% reduction,” it was stated.

According to the government, repowering projects must not only guarantee increased efficiency in production but also align with the law’s goal of generating social and economic benefits for local communities.

The Xunta aims for these projects, like new wind farms, to integrate commitments for positive impacts in terms of employment, economic development, and reduced energy costs for local residents.

A Critical Perspective from the Wind Sector

The Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE) and the Wind Energy Association of Galicia (EGA) have expressed serious concerns about another regulatory aspect: the Xunta’s proposal to require wind farms to sell 50% of their energy to Galician companies through power purchase agreements (PPAs).

According to the AEE, this measure “violates competition and free market regulations, with adverse effects on the region’s economic development.”

EGA highlights that this restriction could increase electricity costs for consumers and industries, as well as hinder future investments in the region.

“Wind energy projects are long-term investments, with contracts signed until 2030 and beyond. Changing these rules would lead to contract breaches and affect confidence in Galicia as an investment destination,” they add.

Towards a More Inclusive Wind Development Model?

Although the regulation is viewed as restrictive in some aspects, advocates of the new law argue that the measures have the potential to improve social and economic cohesion in Galicia.

From this perspective, requiring developers to commit to the local impact allows residents of wind farm areas to directly benefit from the region’s resources, mitigating the environmental and visual impacts of these installations.

“Such policies can be interpreted as a form of social justice, ensuring that the benefits of wind energy don’t just reach large companies but also the Galician communities,” industry representatives say.

The new Law 2/2024 represents a significant change in the regulatory framework for wind energy in Galicia, aligning with the European Green Deal and promoting a more inclusive development of natural resources.

However, it is clear that the wind sector remains vigilant regarding the careful implementation of these provisions, as this will be crucial to avoid friction and ensure a stable and competitive investment environment.