According to an environmental impact report conducted by the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council at the municipality's request, the macro wind farm project that Premier Group intends to build in Amasamendi would have a "significant" effect on protected birds such as the golden eagle, griffon vulture, and red kite. In response, the council has temporarily suspended its relations with the company until the project's environmental viability can be proven.
Mayor Beatriz Unzue and Deputy Mayor Xabat Laborde announced that the company plans to submit the final project to the Basque Government in July, opening a one-month period for public objections. The council has pledged to request an extension of this deadline, considering it falls during the holiday season, and will submit environmental and urban planning objections if deemed necessary after reviewing the submitted documents.
The latest updates on the matter were shared with the media and local stakeholders on May 28th. The council emphasized that protecting the natural environment and its ecosystem is a priority, and causing significant harm to protected species is an "insurmountable red line."
The Basque Government will be responsible for granting the final permit for the project. If the Basque Government issues a positive environmental impact declaration, the council has stated it will organize a local referendum, allowing citizens to directly decide whether to cede the land to the company. The municipality believes the company wishes to develop the project in agreement with the council and should accept its decision.
Mayor Beatriz Unzue recalled that the municipal government first received information about the project in February 2025 and initiated discussions with Premier Group in May of that year. She argued that "strict conditions" have been set to defend the "interests of the people," which has led to changes in the placement of the wind turbines, moving them from 300 meters to 500 meters from farmhouses and situating them on communal land.
Other conditions imposed on the company for the concession of communal land include obtaining majority support from the residents of Amasa-Villabona, ensuring 20% public ownership of the wind farm, and providing more affordable energy supply for citizens and local businesses.
The council articulated its perspective on energy issues: "The will of the people and environmental protection are paramount," while acknowledging the necessity of expanding renewable energy sources. However, it added that this transition "cannot come at any cost," and the protection of the environment and ecosystems is an "essential condition."
