Balearic Islands commit to 100% Renewables by 2050

The Balearic Islands, which belong to Spain, have decided to abandon fossil fuels and instead commit to 100% renewable energy in 2050. The law is amongst the pioneering ones in Spain and also in Europe. By 2030, the forecasts are to have 35% renewable energy, 23% reduction in energy consumption and a 40% reduction of polluting emissions.

“With this groundbreaking decision, the Balearic islands join the fast growing group of the global energy avant-garde: more than 50 national and hundreds of sub-national governments around the world have already taken similar decisions to go for a 100% renewable energy future. As an island archipelago with millions of tourists enjoying the beautiful nature every year, the Balearic islands will benefit in manifold ways from a shift towards clean and domestic renewable energy. The Global 100% Renewable Energy Platform congratulates cordially and offers all the support from our global network in order to implement this decision in the years ahead.” commented Stefan Gsaenger, Executive Committee member of the Platform.

The main measures of the Law are:

• A commitment to renewable energy
• Progressive closure of polluting power plants
• A commitment to sustainable mobility
• A commitment to energy efficiency

Joan Groizard, director for renewable energy at the Institute for Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE) and former Director General of Energy and Climate Change for the Govern de les Illes Balears : “It is good to see ambitious targets being introduced in the Balearic Islands that have such wide support amongst members of the community, civil society and institutions. Islands are especially vulnerable to climate change, and now are able to show leadership in dealing with the causes of climate change using a broad strategy that includes renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport and the structured closure of polluting legacy power plants.”

This Law is the culmination of a broad participation process, with more than 2'000 voices involved (companies, social entities, associations and individuals) and contributions of the different parliamentary groups

Image: CC BY-SA 3.0