The government of the Balearic Islands, with its famed holiday destinations Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, has laid out a legislative path towards a green and sustainable future, setting ambitious targets for clean mobility and use of renewable energy.

The Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition aims to make the Spanish archipelago free of locally generated carbon emissions by 2050 and make its energy system run on 100% renewables.

Under the plans, the 35% of energy generated would come from renewables by 2030 while energy consumption would be lowered by 23%. Looking ahead to 2050, the islands aim to transition to 100% clean energy with each of the four islands meeting at least 70% of power needs from generation in loco.

The new regulation also mandates the closure of polluting power plants, starting with the Es Murterar thermal power stationin Alcúdia, Menorca Island, from next year. The transition will be supported by mandating solar panels on car parks and buildings of a certain size as well as installing low-consumption street lighting.

Controversially, diesel vehicles will be banned from 2025 with those running on gasoline outlawed after 2035 (local vehicles will be allowed to run to the end of their life). Rental companies, however, will need 100% electric fleets by 2035, supported by a government investment of 1,000 electric charging points by 2025.