Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of October 2, 2026, from the Directorate General for Quality and Environmental Assessment — Environmental Impact Statement of the expansion project for the Coll del Moro and Torre Madrina wind farms |
|---|---|
| Publication | October 22, 2026 |
| Entry into force | October 22, 2026 |
| Promoters | Parque Eólico de Coll del Moro SLU and Parque Eólico Torre Madrina SLU |
| Location | Gandesa and Batea (Tarragona province) |
| Additional capacity | 22 MW (11 MW per farm) |
| Pre-existing capacity | 50 MW installed before expansion |
| New wind turbines | 4 in total (2 per farm), 5,500 kW each |
| Total occupation | 6.68 ha (2.11 ha permanent impact) |
| Category | Energy / Environmental assessment |
| BOE Reference | BOE-A-2026-22067 |
The Coll del Moro and Torre Madrina wind farms, located in the municipalities of Gandesa and Batea (Tarragona), add 22 MW to their installed capacity after obtaining a favorable environmental impact statement on October 22, 2026. The resolution, published in the BOE with reference BOE-A-2026-22067, enables project advancement, although with technical and environmental conditions that the promoters must manage before and during construction.
For the renewable sector, this resolution is a positive signal: it confirms that expansion projects on existing wind infrastructure can pass environmental assessment in Spain, although the process requires coordination with multiple administrations and compliance with specific requirements regarding protected wildlife.
What does this regulation establish?
The resolution formulates the favorable environmental impact statement (EIS) for the expansion of two already operational wind farms in Terra Alta (Tarragona). Each farm incorporates 2 new wind turbines with the following technical characteristics:
| Technical parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit power per wind turbine | 5,500 kW (5.5 MW) |
| Hub height | 105 meters |
| Rotor diameter | 150 meters |
| Number of new wind turbines per farm | 2 |
| Additional power per farm | 11 MW |
| Evacuation voltage | 30 kV (underground lines) |
| Connection | Existing substation (expanded) |
Energy evacuation will be carried out through underground lines at 30 kV connected to the already existing substation, which will also be expanded. This design minimizes the visual and environmental impact of the evacuation infrastructure.
The processing included consultations with public administrations and a public participation period. As a relevant condition, the resolution requires a supplementary report from the Generalitat of Catalonia on the impact on avifauna and bats, which implies direct coordination with the regional administration before starting work.
Economic and operational impact
EIS approval is the essential prior step for promoters to obtain administrative construction and operation authorizations. Without it, the project cannot advance. With it, the path opens for:
- Initiating construction authorization procedures with the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.
- Managing registration in the electricity production facilities register (RIPRE) for the new 22 MW.
- Contracting civil works and wind turbine supply with the legal certainty provided by the EIS.
- Negotiating power purchase agreements (PPAs) or accessing regulated remuneration mechanisms for the new capacity.
From an operational perspective, the expansion of the existing substation and the use of underground lines involve additional investments in evacuation infrastructure, although they leverage partially amortized assets. The occupation of only 2.11 ha permanently out of a total of 6.68 ha facilitates the negotiation of easements with landowners.
Who does it affect?
- Parque Eólico de Coll del Moro SLU: direct promoter, must manage all EIS conditions for the farm in Gandesa.
- Parque Eólico Torre Madrina SLU: direct promoter, same for the farm in Batea.
- Investors and shareholders of both companies: the favorable EIS reduces regulatory risk and allows advancement in project financial planning.
- Municipalities of Gandesa and Batea: must coordinate with promoters regarding urban licenses and impacts on municipal territory.
- Generalitat of Catalonia: must issue the supplementary report on avifauna and bats required as a condition of the EIS.
- Wind sector companies (contractors, wind turbine suppliers, engineering firms): business opportunity in project execution.
- Other renewable promoters in Catalonia: this case sets precedent on requirements and conditions applicable to expansions of existing farms in the region.
Practical example
Parque Eólico Torre Madrina SLU currently operates with an installed capacity that is part of the 50 MW total pre-existing between both farms. With the favorable EIS, the company can incorporate 2 new wind turbines of 5,500 kW (11 MW additional), increasing its contribution to the local energy mix.
To do so, the next concrete step is to obtain the supplementary report from the Generalitat of Catalonia on avifauna and bats. Without that report, construction cannot begin. The promoter must contact the competent department of the Generalitat, provide the necessary field studies, and obtain approval before requesting construction authorization from the Ministry.
Once those procedures are completed, the installation of the 2 wind turbines —with hub at 105 m and rotor of 150 m diameter— will require work access compatible with temporary occupation of up to 6.68 ha, of which only 2.11 ha will be permanently affected. This data is key to sizing easement and land lease agreements with local owners.
What should companies do now?
- Verify compliance with all EIS conditions: the favorable statement is not unconditional. Promoters must review each condition established in the resolution and assign internal responsibility for monitoring.
- Request the supplementary report from the Generalitat of Catalonia: this report on avifauna and bats is a prerequisite for construction. Initiate contact with the competent regional department without delay.
- Process administrative construction authorization: with the EIS in hand, submit the application to the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge to obtain construction and operation authorization for the new 22 MW.
- Manage land occupation agreements: negotiate easements and lease contracts with owners in Gandesa and Batea, considering the permanent impact of 2.11 ha and temporary impact of up to 6.68 ha.
- Plan the expansion of the existing substation: coordinate with the grid operator and competent bodies the expansion of the 30 kV evacuation infrastructure to absorb the new 22 MW.
- Update project financial planning: with the EIS approved, it is time to close the financing structure, explore PPAs, and review investment return timelines with the new MW incorporated.
Frequently asked questions
What is an environmental impact statement and why is it necessary to expand a wind farm?
The environmental impact statement (EIS) is the administrative act by which the Directorate General for Quality and Environmental Assessment determines whether a project can be executed and under what conditions, after analyzing its effects on the environment. For wind projects of certain scale —such as this 22 MW expansion in Tarragona— the EIS is a legal requirement prior and essential to obtain construction authorization. Without a favorable EIS, the project cannot advance.
How many MW will the Coll del Moro and Torre Madrina farms have in total after the expansion?
Before the expansion, both farms totaled 50 MW installed. With the 22 MW additional approved (11 MW per farm, through 2 wind turbines of 5,500 kW each), the total resulting capacity will be 72 MW. Each farm contributes 11 MW new through wind turbines with hub height of 105 m and rotor of 150 m diameter.
What specific condition does the EIS impose before starting work?
The resolution requires that promoters obtain a supplementary report from the Generalitat of Catalonia on the project's impact on avifauna and bats. This report must be obtained before starting construction. It is a suspensive condition: without that regional report, work cannot begin even though the state EIS is favorable.
How much land does the expansion occupy permanently?
The total project occupation is 6.68 hectares, but only 2.11 hectares are permanently affected. The rest corresponds to temporary impacts during the construction phase. This data is relevant to sizing easement and land lease agreements with owners in the municipalities of Gandesa and Batea.
How will the energy generated by the new wind turbines be evacuated?
Energy will be evacuated through underground lines at 30 kV connected to the already existing substation, which will also be expanded to absorb the new 22 MW. The use of underground lines reduces visual and environmental impact compared to conventional overhead lines.
Official source
View complete regulation at official source
Notice: This article is purely informational in nature 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-2026-22067
