This new economic injection complements existing compensations, such as taxes associated with the installations, socioeconomic return agreements, and local initiatives like the Arcs Energia shared self-consumption project. The decision was approved in the municipal plenary session.
The agreements stem from the public tender for Priority Development Zones (ZDP), a framework that mandates energy companies to return 4% of their annual energy sales revenue to municipalities hosting wind turbines. Additionally, neighboring municipalities will also receive an extra 1%.
These new revenues align with the 'valuation' criterion established by the ZDP tender, promoted by the Generalitat de Catalunya, which aims to ensure 'economic returns to municipalities affected by wind farms'. The 250,000 euros annual compensation for Vilalba dels Arcs has been calculated based on the number of wind turbines present in the municipality.
These contributions aim to contribute to the socioeconomic structuring of the municipality and the region, reinforcing the direct return to the territory where these infrastructures are located. The municipality will have a budget per inhabitant significantly higher than the average for the province of Tarragona and Catalonia as a whole, which translates into greater investment capacity, better services, and local development opportunities.
The governing team of Vilalba dels Arcs has announced that these funds will primarily be allocated to renovating the pavement and services of the streets in the old town. This action is considered 'urgent and necessary to improve the quality of life for residents and to update the municipality's basic infrastructure'.
