Spain’s anti-corruption framework leaves the wind sector exposed to risks

The runaway success of Spain’s renewables industry means it has completely outgrown the current institutional landscape for tackling corruption.

66% of Spain’s total wind power capacity is based in regions without a dedicated anti-corruption body.

Only Andalusia, where 12% of Spain’s wind capacity is based, has a specialist regional anti-fraud body (OAAF) with a mandate that covers corruption in the permit-granting process for wind farms.

This means Spain’s investigative resources are not matched to handle corruption risks in a sector of the economy where investment is flowing, and on which Spain is basing much of its newfound prestige as Europe’s renewables champion.

Reforms have arrived but barely touch the sides. In 2024 Castille y León established the ‘Independent Authority for Matters of Corruption of Castilla and León’ (AICCyL) which has a much broader mandate to handle whistleblower complaints and promote integrity across the administration. It does this on an annual budget of €365,564 allocated for six staff members.

September’s blockbuster wind farm corruption trial (Trama Eólica) involving former high-profile government figures will refocus national and international attention on Spain’s wind industry. It seems obvious, however, that without more serious reforms the sector is waiting for the next scandal to arrive.