May 13, 2013
Puerto Rico

Flamenco wind farm a no-go

13 May 2013 | renews.biz

The developer behind a five-turbine wind farm on a Caribbean island outcrop pertaining to Puerto Rico has scrapped the project following sustained opposition from local residents.

Punta Flamenco Windfarm Inc. has officially withdrawn the application from government regulators, according to an announcement from governor Alejandro García Padilla.

The development had received resistance from locals and conservationists due to its proximity to a nature reserve and Flamenco beach (pictured) on Culebra island, a tourism hotspot. The island is located some 27 km east of the Puerto Rican mainland.

García Padilla welcomed the news as a victory for “constructive dialogue”, and as a step towards protection of Culebra’s “environmental treasures” for future generations. The governor reaffirmed his support for renewables developments but only when in harmony with the landscape, ecology and social objectives.

Punta Flamenco Windfarm Inc. is a subsidiary of Puerto Rico Land and Fruit SE. Company president Víctor González is also behind WindMar Renewable Energy which is developing the 25MW Guayanilla wind farm elsewhere in Puerto Rico.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/05/13/flamenco-wind-farm-a-no-go/