Canary Islands Government Streamlines Energy Project Approval Processes

Overview

The Canary Islands government has taken a step to streamline approval processes for electricity projects.

A new order empowers the Director General of Energy to reject applications for declaring certain electrical installations as of 'public interest,' a task previously handled by the regional energy minister.

This delegation aims to make administrative decisions quicker and more efficient, especially for projects with urgent or exceptional national importance.

Context and Goals

The move is part of ongoing efforts to modernize energy infrastructure, crucial for the region's transition to greener energy sources.

Delegating these decisions helps avoid bureaucratic delays that could hamper the timely deployment of vital energy infrastructure, a growing concern as the Canary Islands accelerate their renewable energy plans.

Details of the Order

The order, issued by the Minister of Ecological Transition and Energy Mariano Hernández Zapata, emphasizes that:

• All decisions will still be documented clearly.
• Decisions can be appealed or revoked by the original authority.

The policy also aligns with laws promoting administrative efficiency and good governance, ensuring a balance between swift action and accountability.

Impact and Significance

This change matters for residents and businesses alike, as it promises faster approvals for projects that could:

• Improve energy security
• Reduce costs
• Support the region's climate goals

It signals a push towards more agile governance in the energy sector, promising a more resilient power grid and a cleaner energy future for the Canary Islands.