PLEMCAT approved: what the environmental impact assessment means for offshore wind energy near Roses

Key data

The PLEMCAT project takes a decisive step: the favorable environmental impact assessment published on July 8, 2026 unblocks the administrative processing of Catalonia's first marine energy research platform. With a maximum capacity of 30 MW distributed across up to three floating wind turbines, the project is located in an area of 7.82 km² within the ZAPER LEBA-1 space of the Maritime Space Planning.

The Resolution of June 22, 2026 from the Directorate General for Quality and Environmental Assessment is not the final authorization: it is the essential prerequisite for the MITECO to grant the substantive authorization of the project. Anyone who needs to follow this processing must be clear that the administrative process continues.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution formulates the favorable environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the PLEMCAT project, promoted by IREC. This means that, from an environmental perspective, the project can proceed, provided that the conditions and corrective measures established in the EIA itself are met.

The key technical elements of the project are as follows:

A critical aspect: the EIA includes special protection measures for the Aiguamolls de l'Alt Empordà wetlands, given that the terrestrial line crosses areas near this protected space. The works will also temporarily affect agricultural areas in the surrounding area.

The R&D&i character of the project is decisive: PLEMCAT is not a commercial power generation facility, but a research platform. This conditions both its regulatory regime and expectations of direct economic return.

Economic and operational impact

For IREC and its partners, the favorable EIA is a green light that allows progress in obtaining substantive authorization from the MITECO. Without this declaration, the project could not continue its processing. Now, the focus shifts to the next administrative phase.

For the marine energy sector in Spain, PLEMCAT has strategic value: it is the first research platform of this type in Catalonia and operates in the ZAPER LEBA-1 zone, making it a reference for future commercial offshore projects in the Mediterranean.

For municipalities and agents in Alt Empordà, the operational impact is concrete in:

• Temporary impact on agricultural areas during construction of the 16.29 km terrestrial line.
• Specific protection measures for the Aiguamolls de l'Alt Empordà during works.
• Possible restrictions or conditions for the fishing sector in the 7.82 km² marine zone.
• Generation of local economic activity during the construction and research phase.

For energy sector companies evaluating similar projects in the Mediterranean, this EIA establishes a precedent regarding environmental requirements applicable to floating offshore installations in ZAPER zones.

Who does it affect?

• IREC (promoter): Must complete processing before the MITECO to obtain substantive authorization before starting works.
• Marine energy sector: Companies and operators developing or evaluating offshore wind projects in the Spanish Mediterranean.
• Fishing cooperatives and fishing sector: Affected by the occupation of 7.82 km² of marine zone and the conditions of the EIA.
• Municipalities in Alt Empordà (Girona): Especially those crossed by the 16.29 km terrestrial line and those near the Vilaür substation.
• Agricultural land owners: In the terrestrial line strip, with temporary impact during works.
• Environmental consulting and engineering companies: Managing projects with EIA in ZAPER zones or similar protected areas.

Practical example

An energy sector company evaluating an offshore wind project in the Mediterranean can use PLEMCAT as an administrative roadmap. The process followed by IREC illustrates the real steps and timelines:

1. The project is framed in the ZAPER LEBA-1 zone of Maritime Space Planning — first location requirement.
2. It is submitted for environmental impact assessment to the Directorate General for Quality and Environmental Assessment, which issues the favorable EIA on June 22, 2026.
3. With the EIA in hand, IREC can now request substantive authorization from the MITECO — the phase the project is currently in.
4. Only after that substantive authorization can work begin on installing the wind turbines, the 25.47 km of submarine cables, and the 16.29 km terrestrial line to Vilaür.

This itinerary demonstrates that, even with a favorable EIA, the path to the start of works on offshore projects in Spain involves at least one additional significant administrative phase before the MITECO.

What should companies do now?

1. If you are IREC or participate in the PLEMCAT project: Prepare documentation for the application for substantive authorization before the MITECO, which is the next mandatory step after the EIA.
2. If you operate in the fishing sector in Alt Empordà: Review the EIA conditions relating to the 7.82 km² marine zone and contact the competent authorities to learn about the conditions applicable to your activity.
3. If you own agricultural land in the terrestrial line route (16.29 km to Vilaür): Identify if your property is affected and consult the compensation measures provided during works.
4. If you develop offshore energy projects in Spain: Analyze the PLEMCAT EIA as a reference for environmental requirements in Mediterranean ZAPER zones, especially regarding protected areas like Aiguamolls.
5. If you are a municipality in Alt Empordà: Coordinate with IREC and the MITECO to anticipate the impacts of works on local infrastructure and agricultural areas.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-14868