Sardinia – Bolts securing a wind turbine were unscrewed in an act of sabotage, reflecting opposition to renewable energy in Sardinia.
Sardinia still relies heavily on coal but must increase renewables as its two coal plants will close by 2028. Despite the island’s suitability for wind and solar energy, local resistance has grown due to investor interest, with many fearing exploitation.
The loose bolts were found before the turbine in Mamoiada fell. It was one of several incidents of vandalism this year as regional authorities drafted rules for clean energy projects.
“There’s been a visceral rejection of renewables,” said Marta Battaglia, head of environmental group Legambiente. “People fear losing their identity and that the landscape will be ruined.” Similar resistance has been seen in other European countries.
Within Italy protests against wind farms are growing. Recently, protestors campaigned against a wind farm near the medieval town of Orvieto.
Landscape already affected by climate change
Sardinia’s landscape has already been damaged by climate change, with droughts and wildfires affecting the region. However, locals worry that renewable energy will be produced and exported, leaving the island with little benefit.
In 2022, 74% of Sardinia’s electricity came from biomass and fossil fuels, mostly coal. Although Italy is phasing out coal, President Alessandra Todde has resisted the “invasion” of renewables, claiming large plants are being built for energy exports to the mainland.
A new electricity corridor to the mainland is set to open in 2028. Excess energy could also be used locally for hydrogen production, but Sardinia’s green energy needs to grow to meet EU climate targets.
Requests for renewable energy projects
Terna, Italy’s power grid company, has received 804 requests for renewable energy projects in Sardinia, totalling 54 GW. However, only 0.4 GW has been approved.
In July, Todde imposed an 18-month moratorium on new green projects, which the government plans to challenge in court. Most of the island is now considered unsuitable for renewable energy development under new regional rules.
Critics, including electrical engineering professor Santolo Meo, argue that regulations should focus on balancing renewables with environmental protection, such as exploiting tidal energy off Sardinia’s coast.
Protests continue, with demonstrators in Cagliari last week calling for renewables to be limited to local energy projects. Many fear that multinational companies are trying to exploit Sardinia for profit. Environmentalists blame the media for fuelling the backlash against renewable energy.
