Sustainable energy sources are currently dominant and will continue to shape the future, yet they come with a caveat

In the heart of Jaén, Spain, a legal case has been initiated by social and environmental organizations to halt four photovoltaic projects. These projects, if approved, would result in the elimination of over 100,000 olive trees, a significant impact on the habitat of various species and a traditional agricultural landscape.

The organizations, advocates for decarbonizing the economy and the use of clean energies, argue that this should not come at the cost of strategic goods like food. They denounce the "plunder" farmers are suffering on their land due to the installation of renewable energy projects.

Renewable energies, despite being called "clean" or "green," are not synonymous with zero impact. Photovoltaic or wind energy often requires materials that are normally extracted from mining processes, which have their own impacts and are often not renewable, according to Rodrigo Irurzun, a spokesperson for ecologists.

Similarly, electric cars may rely on questionable materials in the production of batteries or their storage. The installation of renewable energy infrastructure often requires a high initial investment, a factor that adds to the concerns of the organizations.

However, the organizations are not against renewable energies. They emphasize the need to handle renewable energy correctly to fulfill its function. Mar Asunción, a senior researcher and professor, advocates for an "orderly, participatory, and sensitive" energy transition, emphasizing the importance of preserving landscape values and traditional activities like agriculture and fishing.

Daniel Jato Espino, another senior researcher and professor, highlights the need to select areas for renewable energy installations carefully. Offshore wind energy construction can alter habitats and generate noise that affects sensitive species, he states. During the construction of offshore wind energy, there is a risk of collision or displacement of seabirds, especially in migratory zones.

The organizations argue that Spain needs a regulatory framework that protects its most valuable land. They advocate for a "regulated and appropriate" use of renewable energies, emphasizing sustainable and balanced development. The campaign "Campiña Norte against Megaplantas Solares" opposes photovoltaic projects on farmland in Lopera, Jaén, which would lead to the removal of more than 100,000 olive trees. This campaign advocates for protecting agricultural land against large-scale solar installations that endanger traditional olive groves.

The responsible planning and management of renewable energy development are crucial to maximize advantages and minimize disadvantages, as concluded in various studies. Rodrigo Irurzun underscores the importance of considering the resources renewable energy extracts, such as forest masses or agricultural exploitation, in its development.

In conclusion, while renewable energies are necessary for a sustainable future, it is essential to approach their development with care, considering the potential impacts on the environment, agriculture, and local communities.