From coal desert to wind farm powerhouse: lessons learnt from Teruel region in Aragón, Spain - Case Study

Spain has emerged as a frontrunner in the global wind energy sector, boasting the fourth-largest installed capacity worldwide. The arrival of renewable energy as the main energy source of the future is particularly evident in the region of Aragón and its former coal region of Teruel, which is on the way to transform itself into a renewables powerhouse. However, the rapid construction of giant wind turbines has sparked controversy, raising concerns about the quick changes of landscapes, how much local communities benefit, and long-term effects for the region. While the energy transition in the region is ongoing, the case of Aragón provides insights into success factors and barriers that provide lessons for other coal regions in transition.