Asime’s study on the development of offshore wind in Galicia has some detractors.
A GOE – Asime study investigates the development potential of offshore wind energy in Galicia and finds some detractors. The construction of marine parks could impinge on the fishing sector activities and the concerns start growing after the report came to light.
The potential of offshore wind in Galicia, according to Asime.
The Galician Offshore Energy Group (GOE-Asime) has highlighted A Mariña, Punta Langosteira, and Val Miñor, as the most interesting emplacements to promote offshore wind energy in Galicia. Francisco Conde has also intervened in the presentation of the report, and has shown the firm will of the Xunta de Galicia to activate these projects.
“We have a common responsibility to see the capacities of offwhore wind at an energy and industrial level, two vectors of competitiveness for the future of Galicia.” – Francisco Conde, Economic Vice President of the Xunta
During the presentation held at the Asime headquarters, emphasis was placed on the benefits that the construction of these parks could have on Galician energy and industry, generating between 1000 and 5000 direct jobs within the next decade, and contributing to decarbonization. In addition, the development of offshore wind in Galicia would provide an efficient response to the increase in electricity consumption, and would reduce electricity dependence on other countries.
For the GOE, the potential of the Galician coast and its winds is wasted. They believe that the real question is not whether offshore wind farms should be implemented or not, but where and how.
The first critical voices.
During the presentation, the researchers also wanted to make it clear that the installation of parks would have its restrictions and precautions would be taken to avoid an unwanted impact on aquaculture and fishing areas. In addition, the study says that protected areas and other key areas such as infrastructures for the extraction of natural resources or raw materials, transport routes, dumping areas, scientific research areas, tourist activities, and much more, would be respected.
However, the first critical voices have already appeared, warning that these constructions could affect the fishing sector and even the preservation of ecosystems if the issues that are still pending are not properly adressed, despite what the report says.
These issues, according to the GOE-Asime, will have their place in the Maritime Spatial Planning Project (expected to be approved at the end of the year), and remain at the expense of the European Union or other private studies to shed light on the details on the regulation of these facilities.
Taking care of the environment.
At Keyplan we believe that the construction of facilities to promote renewable energies is always good news for the planet we live on, since it brings us a little closer to sustainability and efficiency.
However, it is necessary that legal actions are taken, regulations are adjusted, and that scientists and technicians carry out detailed studies, to guarantee that the impact is the minimum possible and that the constructions fulfill the objective that underlies all the conflicts of interest: taking care of the environment.
