Do renewable energies harm tourism?

Renewable energies and tourism, even though they belong to different sectors, they can work together in ways that enable both of them to contribute positively to the environment and local economies.

Tourism is one of the most important sources of revenue in our Spain. In 2023, Spain managed to both match and exceed the levels international tourism prior to the coronavirus pandemic with an increase of 1.9% compared to 2019, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE in Spanish).

In the first months of 2024, the tourism sector has maintained the positive performance with which it concluded 2023, registering a remarkable year-on-year growth in activity (tourism GDP) of 13.8%, according to Exceltur  (Alliance for Tourism Excellence).

With this favourable outlook for tourism, doubts may arise as to whether the adoption of clean energies could well damage this booming sector. We are able to confirm that there is nothing to worry about and we will explain why.

Far from being an obstacle, renewable energies represent an opportunity to redefine and enrich the tourist attractions by aligning them with the values of sustainability that are a priority for more and more travellers. This can be seen by the opinions of tourists between the ages of 18 and 29: 77% confirm that sustainability influences their travel decision, according to Travel Agent Central.

And what are the most important sustainability values for tourists? 2021 data from Braintrust, consultants specialising in the area of Customer Experience, confirm that sustainability in travel is no longer a fad but an indispensable criterion. Here are some of the most important points for Spanish travellers when choosing an eco-friendly destination:

Is renewable energy a threat to tourism?

The Spanish government's plan is to decarbonise the country to achieve a 100% renewable electricity system by 2050. The measures contemplated in the PNIEC  (National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan) seek to reach 42% of renewables in the final use of energy and 74% of renewable energy in electricity generation by 2030.

What does this decision mean? Increasing clean energy sources which involves installing more solar panels and wind turbines.

Concerns may arise with regard to the presence of renewable parks in the natural environment and their visual impact on the landscape. But how are renewables installed? We need to check the process that is followed in the case of wind turbines:

When looking for locations for wind farms, we should choose places that are compatible with the environment, that are fair to the surrounding societies, economically profitable and of course, they should be sustainable. We should also take into account factors such as technical and environmental feasibility, the availability of grid connection, and the estimated energy production.

When a project is being defined, the development process should begin with the design of the plant, taking into account any possible environmental and social impact and studying the most environmentally friendly options.

The Administration should undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a Preliminary Administrative Authorisation (PAA) to establish the minimum requirements for the project and the compensatory measures to be taken to allow it to be built.

In the construction design phase, an Administrative Construction Authorisation (AAC in Spanish) is obtained, which allows the construction of the installation and the start of physical work on the project to be undertaken in compliance with the technical requirements.

Agrivoltaics and the improvement of the environment should be added to the equation by making natural reserves, a clear example of how renewable energies can coexist with other sectors by using the same plot land for the production of solar energy, agricultural production and even as a habitat for protected species.

This system not only conserves the soil, improves the conditions for crops and the natural environment, but also generates social-economic and employment benefits, strengthening the local economic fabric and contributing to sustainability and social progress.

Ecotourism: An opportunity for travellers

Ecotourism is a form of tourism that focuses on visiting places in a way that is sustainable, educational, and beneficial to both visitors and local communities and the environment.