The Council of State has reopened the process for the hybrid solar thermal power plant at the foot of Monte Arci. It upheld the appeal of San Quirico Solar Power (the Sardinian arm of Bolzano's CLP Project), effectively giving the green light to restart the proceedings. This surprising decision, following previous pronouncements, immediately sparked a reaction from the Committee for Health and Quality of Life, which is poised to oppose the project.
It was 2014 when the company presented the project to the municipal offices of Oristano to build a hybrid thermodynamic plant for the production of electricity through solar panels and a biomass power plant (it is
(It was expected to burn 75 tons of wood per day). An investment of over 80 million euros, with new jobs and significant related benefits. From the very beginning, residents of the farming villages of San Quirico and Tiria, as well as residents of nearby towns such as Palmas Arborea, Siamanna, and Villaurbana, opposed the project, creating a spontaneous committee that has been at the forefront for years.
Defend the territory. In 2019, the Region denied authorization.
The project was unique due to the lack of several requirements. Thus began a lengthy battle involving appeals and challenges: the crux of the matter was the lack of availability of the land on which to build the plant (77 hectares). This led to today's verdict, which overturned previous rulings.
The committee, with spokesperson Antonello Garau, announced that it will immediately request access to the documents. "We want to see clearly." Citizens and associations will certainly continue their fight. "There are important issues at stake, such as public health protection, economic considerations given the numerous agricultural businesses, and the protection of the landscape, which cannot be ruined by panels and power plants."
