DECREE-LAW 22/2025: CATALONIA UNSTOPPABLY ACCELERATES THE ENERGY TRANSITION WITH NEW RULES FOR RENEWABLES
On 28 April 2025, a massive power blackout affected Catalonia and the rest of the Iberian Peninsula. The interruption of supply temporarily paralysed social and economic activity, as it significantly affected rail transport —metro, train and tram— as well as road traffic, because traffic lights and other electronic signalling systems were disconnected. Industry, shops and most office buildings also had to halt their activity because of the lack of electricity and the collapse of telecommunications services.
To reduce the risk of future blackouts like that of 28 April, which exposed the fragility of the energy system and the enormous scope of the damage it can cause, as well as the undesirable consequences that have to be faced, it is urgent to advance the energy transition. Renewable energy production and storage capacity must be increased in order to combat climate change. This means amending the legal framework to guarantee that the Catalan energy system is competitive, sustainable and secure, directing all future action towards achieving these objectives.
That is why the Parliament of Catalonia approved Decree-Law 22/2025, key legislation for driving the energy transition and unblocking hundreds of renewable energy projects. This measure is essential for meeting the objectives of PROENCAT 2050, which foresees a tenfold increase in installed wind and solar photovoltaic capacity in the coming years.
Why is Decree-Law 22/2025 important?
Catalonia needs to move towards a more sustainable, distributed and democratic energy model. Until now, the lack of a clear regulatory framework had held back the deployment of wind farms and photovoltaic plants. The new decree introduces changes that simplify permitting, guarantee local participation and ensure territorial and environmental compatibility.
This decree is a direct response to the climate emergency and to the need to increase clean energy production. It also gives legal certainty to developers and establishes mechanisms to avoid excessive concentrations of projects in particular areas, encouraging a balanced roll-out.
Main new features of Decree-Law 22/2025
1. Mandatory local participation
Developers will have to offer at least 20% of the execution budget in share capital, giving priority to municipalities and comarques. If that percentage is not reached, the door will open to energy communities and companies. This measure democratises energy and ensures that the economic benefits flow back into the territory.
2. End of urban planning moratoriums
The possibility for local councils to decree general moratoriums to halt renewable projects is removed. In addition, the Llei d’Urbanisme (Catalan Urban Planning Act) is amended to treat batteries as a technical service compatible with other uses, facilitating the deployment of storage infrastructure.
3. Protection of agricultural land
The decree establishes that irrigated land is incompatible with renewable installations, with exceptions. In dry farmland areas (categories III and IV), a limit of 10% of the surface is set for projects, preserving farming activity and food sovereignty.
4. Transparency in the electricity grid
Distribution companies will have to publish clear information on access and connection, propose alternatives in the event of refusal and report the order of priority. This prevents blockages and guarantees equal treatment between developers.
5. Easier electric mobility
A responsible declaration is introduced for charging points, simplifying permitting and encouraging infrastructure for sustainable mobility.
Impact of the decree on the energy transition
This decree speeds up administrative permitting, strengthens territorial governance and encourages citizen participation. With acceleration areas for renewable energy, areas of non-significant environmental impact will be defined, where projects will follow simplified procedures. This will shorten timescales and give legal certainty to investors, while preserving landscape and agricultural values.
In addition, the decree contributes to creating a more distributed energy model, in which local communities can take an active part in energy generation. This democratisation is key to ensuring that the energy transition is fair and inclusive.
A strategic step towards 2050
With Decree-Law 22/2025, Catalonia positions itself as a benchmark in the fight against climate change. The measures adopted not only respond to European requirements (Fit for 55, RepowerEU), they also strengthen the energy sovereignty and economic competitiveness of the territory.
This decree is much more than a technical rule: it is a commitment to a green, resilient and participatory future, in which renewable energy is a driver of development and territorial cohesion.
Conclusion: Decree-Law 22/2025 is a historic opportunity to transform the Catalan energy system. The challenge now is to implement it with rigour, transparency and social consensus to ensure that the energy transition is a shared success.