On July 22, 2025, the Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo of Lanzarote sealed a historic agreement: the first protocol dedicated to Renewable Acceleration Zones (ZAR). Resulting from the recent Canary Islands Law on Climate Change and the Energy Transition, this accord inaugurates a clear, sustainable, and shared model of energy planning, offering legal certainty to investors and developers while ensuring environmental protection.
What Are ZAR?
ZAR are predefined areas where new on-shore wind and photovoltaic plants may be developed through 2030. In Lanzarote, a “pool” of 3,163.89 hectares—3.75 % of the island’s territory—has been identified, but only 0.23 % of that surface—less than one square kilometer—will actually be occupied to achieve the set decarbonization targets. This distinction between “suitable” and “conditional” zones underscores the care taken to minimize landscape impact and preserve existing land uses.
A Participatory, Technical Process
The path to signing the protocol involved not only regional institutions and the Cabildo but also the island’s municipalities, the business sector, and the Biosphere Reserve in a technical and participatory process. National Parks and areas within the Natura 2000 Network were expressly excluded from ZAR boundaries, ensuring that clean-energy installations occupy only sites that do not interfere with areas of high natural or urban value.
“An Innovative Tool”
“ZAR represent an innovative tool,” commented Regional Councillor Mariano H. Zapata, “designed to build a decarbonized Canarias with the consent of citizens, administrations, and businesses, without sacrificing environmental protection.” Zapata also thanked the Cabildo—and in particular its president—for their fruitful collaboration, expressing hope that the other islands will soon follow Lanzarote’s example.
A Decisive Step for Local Energy Sovereignty
Oswaldo Betancort, President of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, described the protocol as “a decisive step toward a self-sufficient, orderly, and sustainable energy model for Lanzarote and La Graciosa, strengthening our territorial sovereignty.” According to Betancort, leading this process reaffirms the commitment to safeguard the island’s landscape identity and the local communities’ right to decide their own energy future.
Opportunities for Italian Investors
For Italian operators interested in green tourism or the development of renewable infrastructure, ZAR offer a solid framework and more predictable authorization timelines. Companies will be able to plan medium-term projects with a detailed understanding of the permitted areas, reducing the risk of bureaucratic delays and legal disputes.
Boosting Sustainable Tourism
On the tourism front, Lanzarote reaffirms its vocation as a sustainable island: integrating wind farms and solar parks into carefully studied landscapes creates an opportunity to promote “energy tourism”—guided routes among turbines and panels—and to highlight accommodations that adopt ZAR-certified green energy.
A Model for the Entire Archipelago
The protocol launched in July represents a model that can soon be replicated on the other islands. Thanks to collaboration among Cabildos, the regional government, the scientific community, and the business world, ZAR chart the course toward a cleaner, more competitive Canary economy—attractive to investors and visitors seeking cutting-edge sustainability destinations.