Balearic Government blocks controversial Mallorca solar park over environmental concerns

The Balearic Government has rejected plans for a new solar park in Alcúdia after environmental authorities concluded that the development could cause significant damage to the surrounding natural landscape.

The proposed Son Careló photovoltaic park was planned for Alcanada, on rustic land close to the former GESA residential complex, which is currently being redeveloped. The decision follows an unfavourable environmental impact assessment and opposition from Alcúdia Town Hall.

3,120 solar panels planned

The project, promoted by Alcanada Energy, would have occupied 13,926 square metres of rustic land on plot 282 in polygon 3 of Alcúdia.

Plans called for the installation of 3,120 solar panels, with a peak generation capacity of around 2.09 megawatts and installed capacity of 1.98 megawatts. The project was among the photovoltaic developments being processed through the Balearic Government’s energy and environmental approval system.

However, environmental authorities concluded that the location was not compatible with protecting the area’s natural values.

Forest and wildlife concerns

One of the main objections was the potential loss of forest cover and biodiversity.

The assessment also identified possible impacts on habitats considered to be of Community interest, as well as the visual effect the installation could have on the landscape.

Alcúdia Town Hall had already issued a negative report on the proposal, arguing that the project would represent an unnecessary use of land in an area with high natural value.

Other public bodies also questioned whether the chosen location was appropriate and whether alternatives with less environmental impact had been properly examined.

Alcúdia already has solar developments

The rejection comes as Alcúdia continues to feature in wider plans for renewable energy development.

Large photovoltaic installations already exist around the Es Murterar power station, while a separate project, known as Nou Murterar, has been declared a project of strategic industrial interest by the Balearic Government.

That scheme is considerably larger, with its first phase planned to cover 93,580 square metres and include more than 20,000 solar panels.

The Government also introduced a temporary freeze in June on new authorisations for photovoltaic parks on rustic land while it prepares a broader renewable energy and energy storage plan. The aim is to establish clearer rules about where renewable energy installations should be located and how large they should be.

For Alcanada, the latest decision means the Son Careló proposal will not go ahead in its planned location, with the environmental authorities prioritising the protection of woodland, habitats and the area’s wider landscape.