Spanish region approves wind turbine upgrades that are mandatory, sparking an industry outcry

The regional parliament of Galicia approved a set of measures on Tuesday that will force wind parks in the region to replace their ageing turbines within 25 years. This has sparked a backlash from the renewable energy industry.

Developers risk losing their operating permit if they do not replace 25-year old turbines with more efficient, taller and newer ones.

Critics claim the measure, the first of its type to be approved in Europe, jeopardizes the development of vital renewable projects and increases the legal uncertainty.

WindEurope, an industry association, said that developers have always made the decision when to upgrade assets.

In a joint press release, the Spanish wind lobby AEE, along with other industry groups, said that the rules would hinder the sector and increase litigation, as well as fragment the market.

Power Purchase Agreements, also known as long-term contracts, are used to purchase part of the energy produced by new parks from local industries.

Nicolas Vazquez is the industry secretary for the regional government. He said that these temporary measures would remain in place while Galicia updated its wind energy plan. This process, which will take about three years, is expected to be completed.

Vazquez defended his measures, which he called "proportionate" and in accordance with the original permits granted to developers.

He said that the 25-year mark will start a flexible, multi-year process. No wind park will ever be demolished before its 31st or 32nd birthday. He added that if the process is not feasible for technical or environment reasons, it will be stopped.

Vazquez stated that the measures regarding power purchase agreements are less strict than previous provisions, and only apply to newly-constructed projects.

The regional government anticipates that 3,000 turbines will meet the upgrade requirements within the next five-year period. (Reporting and editing by Charlie Devereux, Christina Fincher, and Pietro Lombardi)

(source: Reuters)