Photo credit: phys.org
In the heart of southern Spain, Francisco Campos is deeply concerned about the fate of his olive trees, some of which have stood for centuries. The proposal for a solar park threatens to dismantle a cornerstone of his livelihood and the local agricultural heritage.
“It feels like a crime to cut down these olive trees for solar panels,” lamented the 64-year-old farmer in Lopera, a picturesque town known for its traditional whitewashed architecture and rich history in olive production. With approximately 3,600 residents, Lopera is situated in Andalusia, the leading region for olive oil production in the world.
The increasing demand for renewable energy has sparked a race for solar development in Andalusia, a region that enjoys nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. Companies seeking to establish solar farms are now vying for land that has long been cultivated for olives.
Several renewable energy firms, including Greenalia and FRV Arroyadas, have proposed solar projects near Lopera, which could impact up to 1,000 hectares (about 2,500 acres) of agricultural land. Although these companies have successfully negotiated to lease most of the necessary land, they are facing fierce resistance from local farmers who are unwilling to part with their heritage.
In response to the growing tensions, the Andalusian regional government announced plans to expropriate portions of land deemed essential for solar development, emphasizing that such actions are justified by “the public interest.” However, Campos and others have expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of this claim. “Is it really in the public interest to take my land and hand it over to a private company for profit?” he questioned, voicing the concerned sentiment of many in the community. “This will destroy our way of life.”
In Defense of Heritage
Advocates against the proposed solar projects have warned that the plans will entail the removal of nearly 100,000 olive trees, a figure disputed by the government, which claims the number is closer to 13,000. Local residents, initially anticipating the possibility of solar farms, did not foresee the extent to which their property would be targeted.
At a recent protest outside Lopera, numerous farmers demonstrated their discontent, with some driving tractors and carrying banners proclaiming, “We don’t want solar plants.” Maria Josefa Palomo, a 67-year-old retiree, poignantly articulated the fears of many landowners: “These lands are part of our ancestry. What legacy will I leave for my children?”
Moreover, estimates from the local cooperative, La Loperana, suggest that the loss of 500 hectares of olive groves could result in an annual revenue loss exceeding two million euros (about $2.3 million). Meanwhile, reports indicate that as many as 5,000 olive trees have already been uprooted due to agreements signed by a local farmer with a solar company, setting a worrying precedent for others.
In an attempt to halt the projects, activists have initiated legal actions against both the regional government and the involved companies.
Commitment to Resistance
In 2022, Spain achieved a record 56.8% of its electricity generation from renewable resources, including wind and solar energy, as reported by grid operator Red Eléctrica. The Spanish government aims to increase this share to 81% by 2030 as part of its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite these ambitious goals, the regional government has defended the solar projects, stating that less than 1% of the land allocated is being expropriated from willing landowners. The Spanish solar industry association UNEF, representing over 800 companies, argues that such developments contribute positively to local economies by increasing tax revenues that can enhance public services.
Nonetheless, opponents in Lopera are resolute in their resistance. “We will fight until the end. We will not let anyone take what is ours,” pledged Juan Cantera, a determined 28-year-old farmer. He emphasized the cultural significance of olive oil to the community, asserting, “Olive oil is everything in Lopera.”
Source
phys.org