Positive environmental impact statement

Positive environmental impact statement: is it possible? Our results.

Summary of renewable energy projects and the number of MW with a positive environmental impact declaration obtained between 2022 and 2023 processed by Ideas MedioAmbiental.

According to the Law 21/2013, of December 9, on Environmental Assessment, “environmental impact assessment” is defined as the process through which the significant effects that plans, programs and projects have or may have, before their adoption, approval or authorization on the environment, including in this analysis the effects of those on the following factors: population, human health, flora, fauna, biodiversity, geodiversity, land, soil, subsoil, air, water, climate, climate change, landscape, material goods, including heritage cultural, and the interaction between all the factors mentioned.

Ideas MedioAmbiental is a national environmental consultancy with permanent local staff throughout the Spanish territory, which has a Department specialized in the Environmental Impact Assessment of projects, plans and programs.

Due to the high demand for the promotion of Renewable Energy projects, we have specialized in the Environmental Impact Assessment process of these Renewable Energy projects: Photovoltaic Plants, Wind Farms, Battery Storage Systems, Photovoltaic and/or Wind Hybridization Projects, Hydrogen Projects, Offshore Wind Farms, Hydroelectric Power Plants or Biomass.

However, the most representative are photovoltaic plants and wind farms, since they are the two types of renewable energy that are currently developing the most projects in Spain.

What is a positive DIA?

When we talk about a Positive Environmental Impact Statement, we refer to a significant milestone in the environmental assessment process of a given project. This statement, issued by the competent environmental authority, indicates that, after an exhaustive evaluation, the project is compatible with environmental values, complying with all necessary environmental criteria and regulations. It is a testament to the comprehensive planning and consideration of environmental factors carried out in the development of the project, reflecting a harmonious balance between development needs and environmental preservation.

Obtaining a positive environmental impact statement is proof of the dedication and effort invested in planning and executing a project. It exemplifies the successful integration of environmental considerations and the adoption of best practices to ensure the preservation and, where possible, the improvement of the natural environment. It is a reflection of the project's commitment to achieving a sustainable and environmentally friendly result, conducive to the well-being of the environment and the community it will serve.

Percentage of positive statements

Specifying in numbers and given our specialization in the Environmental Impact Assessment of Renewable Energies, between the last few years 2022 and 2023, Ideas MedioAmbiental has obtained a favorable resolution (Environmental Impact Statement or Environmental Impact Report) of 98 Renewable Energy projects, of which 61 are being processed autonomously through the different Autonomous Communities (projects smaller than 50 MW, where the Substantive Body and the Environmental Body are the relevant Councils at the regional level), and 37 for national processing ( projects equal to or greater than 50 MW, where the Substantive Body and the Environmental Organ is the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, MITERD).

Of all the projects processed by Ideas MedioAmbiental in the last 18 months that a Resolution has been obtained, 90% were favorable, so it can be concluded that the quality of the studies and work carried out, together with the advice provided to the promoters, are reflected in a very positive way in the final results, despite the fact that the Administrations are increasingly demanding in the documentation to be submitted and studies to be carried out (both in the field and at the cabinet level) for the processing of the environmental impact assessment, in addition to the large volume of authorized and built projects that result in more complex areas and projects with synergistic and cumulative effects to evaluate.

Add that, of all these projects, approximately 95% of Environmental Ideas has also carried out the Heritage Impact Assessment process.

By carrying out this analysis by megawatts of power, separating photovoltaic solar projects from wind power projects and their regional or state processing, the following results are obtained:

• MW Photovoltaic approved, processed by Autonomous Communities: 2,197 MW
• MW Photovoltaic approved, processed by MITERD: 4,104 MW
• MW wind power approved, processed by MITERD: 512 MW

Below is a viewer of the Spanish territory divided by Autonomous Communities, on which you can click to obtain a summary of projects with favorable resolution according to their processing, as well as the number of MW approved in the different areas of Spain.

And then...

To meet the objectives set by the European Union and which have been transferred to our country, the development of Renewables in Spain is continuing at a good pace, and new projects will continue to be advanced. Therefore, Ideas MedioAmbiental continues to carry out the previous studies and the environmental impact assessment of numerous projects today, as can also be seen in the previous viewer, which shows a summary of MW, currently in the processing phase, or study by Ideas MedioAmbiental.

As a conclusion

Obtaining a Positive Environmental Impact Statement is a significant milestone that reflects a project's commitment to caring for the environment and sustainability. Obtaining a positive environmental impact statement emphasizes the proactive integration of environmental considerations into project planning and the dedication to effectively mitigate potential environmental impacts. The high percentage of positive environmental impact statements obtained by renewable energy projects further exemplifies the sector's concerted efforts to align with environmental sustainability objectives, while the EIA process serves as a vital mechanism to promote the harmonious coexistence of projects and the environment. As we continue to strive for balance and sustainability in project development, the environmental assessment process remains a fundamental pillar for responsible and progressive decision-making, ensuring that today's projects contribute to a more conscious and sustainable future for all.

Our national legislation provides a solid basis for the environmental evaluation of projects, emphasizing the importance of maintaining environmental standards and integrating sustainability principles into project development. This legislative framework, in conjunction with the Environmental Impact Assessment process, plays a fundamental role in ensuring that projects in various sectors adhere to strict environmental standards and contribute to the overall objective of environmental preservation and sustainable development. With a dedicated focus on achieving a balance between development needs and environmental conservation, the environmental assessment process continues to be an indispensable tool to guide project development towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious path.

Ideas MedioAmbiental has more than 20 years of experience as an environmental consultant carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment with a human team of more than 150 people spread throughout the country whose main objective is to be at the forefront of the content of the documents and techniques to be applied in the work necessary for the Environmental Impact Assessment of Renewable Energy projects.

Joaquín Ortega, Environmental Assessment