The Arico council (PSOE and PP) has expressed its disapproval of the offshore wind farm initiative proposed by the companies Capital Energy and BlueFloat Energy, cautioning against the “adverse effects” it could have on the natural environment. Last Friday, the mayor, Olivia Delgado, along with the first deputy mayor, Andrés Martínez, convened in Madrid with María Jesús Rodríguez de Sancho, the general director of Biodiversity, and Fernando Magdaleno Mas, the deputy director, at the Ministry for Ecological Transition.
During the discussion, they elaborated on the objections submitted by the local authority concerning the project’s environmental and economic implications.
Delgado expressed concern that Arico “would be the area most impacted by the project.” Furthermore, she lamented that the environmental assessment provided “fails to adequately address” the effects on crucial locations such as Tajao, La Caleta, Las Arenas, and Las Maretas. She underscored that the proposal “does not align” with the Maritime Space management strategies.
Among her various concerns, Delgado pointed out the inclusion of harmful materials in the plans, notably the disposal of 225,000 kilos of tyres, which could “significantly damage marine biodiversity,” including seabed habitats, as well as impact vital economic sectors such as traditional fishing, tourism, and leisure activities in the area.
Martínez, on his part, emphasised that they have lodged 93 technical objections, developed with input from environmental specialists, which highlight the serious repercussions of the project on both the ecosystem and the local economy.
Expansion of Granadilla Port
A further concern raised is the potential collateral damage resulting from the “unauthorised” expansion of Granadilla port, which might “exacerbate” environmental issues. According to the mayor, these dangers “underscore the necessity for increased transparency and diligence in assessing projects that impact the Arico coast.”
