The Lanzarote and La Graciosa Council has completed the technical phase of its new proposal for Renewable Acceleration Zones (ZAR) and will now enter negotiations with the island’s seven municipalities before submitting the final document to the Canary Islands Government.
In recent weeks, the council has held discussions with professional associations, the Lanzarote Chamber of Commerce, and various technical departments focused on land management, the environment, energy, water resources, heritage, the Geopark, and the Biosphere Reserve. The aim is to establish a collaborative model for implementing renewable energy.
This initiative follows the Canary Islands Government’s withdrawal of the initial ZAR map, allowing for a fresh planning approach that prioritises territorial protection, reduces land usage and focuses on areas already developed.
According to the council, the updated proposal significantly decreases the area initially proposed for these zones. The first draft included 3,163 hectares, whereas the new plan suggests using less than 200 hectares—around 0.25% of the island’s total area. Renewables will primarily be installed on the roofs of public buildings, in car parks, on existing infrastructure, and on degraded land, minimising the impact on rural spaces.
Additionally, the proposal includes the establishment of a photovoltaic park near the Tahíche prison, designed to provide energy for the island’s strategic water services.
Council President Oswaldo Betancort stated that, following the technical phase, the goal is to incorporate feedback from the municipalities before sending the final proposal to the regional government. He highlighted the importance of developing energy transition from a stance of consensus, planning, and respecting Lanzarote’s unique characteristics.
Energy Councillor Miguel Ángel Jiménez also emphasised that the proposal aims for a renewable energy model that is public, well-organised, and benefits the local community, focusing on the use of public land and previously developed spaces.
