Breach of EU law and attack on the Natura Network in Ourense (Galicia)

Question for written answer  E-000687/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Pernando Barrena Arza (The Left)

Two wind farms, ‘Rebordechao’ and ‘Prada’, with a total capacity of 324.5 MW are set to be built in the province of Ourense. The former, with 28 wind turbines, will affect the municipalities of Laza, Maceda and Vilar do Barrio. The Prada wind farm, meanwhile, will have 31 wind turbines, located in A Veiga, Carballeda de Valdeorras and O Barco de Valdeorras.

A further wind farm is planned in Barjas (León). The three projects plan to transport electricity out of Ourense on some 76 km of new 220 KV high-voltage power lines.

These projects, run by the Norwegian company Statkarft, are located in areas close to the Natura 2000 Network, such as the Ancares-Courel and Macizo Central special conservation areas, and the power lines are due to cross extremely valuable natural habitats that need to be protected. It makes no sense to locate these wind farms in areas of outstanding natural beauty. They form part of the planned renewable energy ‘greenwashing’ programme that the Government of Galicia (Xunta) intends to pursue, without public participation and despite widespread opposition by residents of both areas and various organisations.

Is the Commission aware of these projects and the fact that that the Xunta is breaking EU law?