Xunta definitively archives Altri's macro-cellulose project in Lugo

The Xunta de Galicia has definitively archived the industrial project of Portuguese company Altri in Palas de Rei (Lugo), deeming it inviable due to the lack of a necessary electrical connection. The decision, announced by Regional Minister María Jesús Lorenzana, follows the rejection of Altri's allegations as 'inadequate or insufficient' Source: abces.

Key reasons

The project's fatal flaw was its dependence on a specific electrical substation in Palas de Rei, which was excluded from the national electricity planning for 2025–2030 by the Spanish government. Altri argued that its plant could be 'energetically self-sufficient' and proposed alternative connections, but the Xunta ruled these solutions were not technically viable Source: abces. Lorenzana stated: 'The current project being processed by the company is inviable because it does not have that electrical connection' Source: elespanol.

Administrative closure and possible appeal

The administrative procedure is now closed, but Altri may file a contentious-administrative appeal. Lorenzana described the project as 'dead' outside of a potential judicial loophole Source: abces. The environmental impact declaration remains valid for four years—already one year in—but Lorenzana noted it has 'no possibilities, to say none, of going forward' Source: elespanol, infobae.

Social context

The project faced strong opposition from local groups and activists, with large protests in Santiago de Compostela. Marta Gontá of Ulloa Viva said: 'We are here to defend that our resources stay for our children and not end up in the hands of companies that bring us nothing but poverty' Source: elespanol.