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The Balearic Islands have temporarily suspended key approval procedures for new solar PV projects on rural land
Existing approved projects, self-consumption systems, and upgrades to current facilities are exempt from the moratorium
A new renewable energy and storage plan, due within 2 years, will define where and how future projects can be developed
The Balearic Islands in Spain have introduced a temporary moratorium on the deployment of new solar PV projects on rural land as the region develops a new renewable energy and energy storage plan.
The moratorium, introduced under Law 4/2026 of June 11, is part of the government’s urgent efforts to speed up strategic projects that support the region’s economic transformation. It is also intended to make administrative processes simpler and more efficient.
Authorities said the pause is intended to ensure that renewable energy expansion remains balanced with the protection of agricultural activity, landscapes, and environmental resources.
The regulation does not apply retroactively and will not affect projects that had already secured access and grid connection permits before the law came into force. Self-consumption installations, as well as upgrades and hybridization of existing facilities, are also exempt.
The pause on new additions will give Balearic Islands the time to prepare new energy regulations that must be approved within 2 years. These will be incorporated into the Balearic Islands Energy Sector Master Plan. It is expected to establish clear guidelines on the location, size, and integration of future renewable energy projects.
“The new framework will make it possible to identify the most suitable areas for the development of energy projects, establish criteria on their size and territorial integration, and ensure better coordination between the energy transition, the protection of rural land and the sustainable economic development of the Islands,” stated the government.
Balearic Islands approved the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law in 2019 under which the target is to achieve 100% renewable energy for its electricity requirements by 2050, including through solar (see Balearic Islands Aim For 100% RE By 2050).
