Silvia Paneque pushes Catalonia renewable‑energy and biodiversity plan

Catalonia’s minister for Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition, Silvia Paneque, said the region needs a scientific‑based model that reconciles renewable‑energy development with biodiversity protection. During a visit to Vidreres in Girona, she emphasized that an orderly, evidence‑driven rollout of solar and wind projects can also safeguard wildlife and support economic innovation.

The regional government has released technical manuals covering photovoltaic and wind farms, fauna monitoring, and battery management, with special attention to species such as the booted eagle, royal eagle, bats and reptiles. In Vidreres, a pilot scheme co‑run with the consultancy L’Energètica has already created an amphibian pond, a rock shelter for reptiles and planted native vegetation. A second phase planned for October will add aromatic‑herb islands and insect‑habitat nest boxes.