The port of l'Estartit and the Espai Medes hosted this Saturday a citizen mobilization against the macro renewable energy projects planned for the territory. The protest brought together neighbors, fishermen, and institutional representatives to express their outright rejection of the macro offshore wind farm in the Gulf of Roses.
The Stop Macro Parc Eòlic Marí platform organized the event with the support of the Catalan Network for a Just Energy Transition. The objective was to denounce the installation of wind turbines at sea, as well as the R&D&I Platform in Marine Energies of Catalonia (PLEMCAT) and the Territorial Plan for Renewable Energies (PLATER).
Giants and ships block the coast
The day began with a festive but demanding street parade. Giants and grallers paraded along the passeig del Molinet until they reached the Espai Medes. There they carried out a symbolic action that contrasted local traditional culture with a large-scale wind turbine installed for the occasion.
Boats and kayaks honked their horns off the coast as they unfurled banners and black armbands. Fishermen and members of the sailing club joined the protest from the water to visualize the impact the project would have on the marine landscape.
The coordination between land and sea allowed for the creation of a forceful image of opposition. The participants showed their disagreement with an energy transition model that they consider imposed and harmful to the natural environment of Empordà.
Mayors and entities reject the PLEMCAT
Several mayors from the area took the floor during the speeches to show their support for the mobilization. Genís Dalmau, president of the EMD of l'Estartit, spoke alongside Cèlia Garbí, mayor of l'Armentera. Dolors Pons, mayor of Viladamat, and Jordi Colomí, mayor of Torroella de Montgrí, also participated.
"The territory does not accept impositions that destroy our natural heritage" - Genís Dalmau, president of the EMD of l'Estartit
The institutional presence reinforced the message of unity against state and regional projects. The councilors underlined the need to protect the coast and the traditional economic activity of the area.
Numerous social and environmental entities gathered at Espai Medes. Representatives from Unió de Pagesos, SOS Costa Brava, and IAEDEN-Salvem l'Empordà were present at the call. Collectives such as Defensem l'Empordanet, No al PLEMCAT, and Fòrum l'Escala-Empúries also attended.
Local groups such as Empordà Dempeus, Gegants de l'Estartit, Mobilitzem la Llera, and Mundus Omnium completed the list of attendees. The diversity of participants reflects the broad social opposition that these macro-projects generate in the Girona regions.
The mobilization served to make visible the alternatives that these platforms defend. The organizers insisted on the need for a just energy transition that respects the social and environmental fabric of the Catalan coast.