The permitting process for the planned biogas and biomethane plant in Coreses (Zamora) has come to an end . The Regional Government of Castile and León has shelved the environmental authorization file after the City Council issued an unfavorable urban planning compatibility report. The decision represents a victory for the local residents' movement that opposed the project.
The project, promoted by the company Norbiogas Biometano III, SL, aimed to install a plant to process non-hazardous organic waste and produce biogas and biomethane. However, public opposition and technical reports have ultimately halted the initiative, at least with regard to this specific location.
A case that is closed after months of controversy
File 158-24-AAZA was initiated in October 2024. During its processing, the Coreses Town Council submitted documentation to the Regional Government of Andalusia containing urban planning reports that presented conflicting opinions. Faced with this ambiguity, the regional administration requested that the Town Council clarify its final position. The response arrived on May 27, when the mayor signed an unfavorable urban planning compatibility report. This document proved decisive for the project's future, as environmental regulations stipulate that if the Town Council issues a negative report before granting authorization, the competent authority must terminate the procedure and close the case.
The Regional Government has taken this action, agreeing to conclude the proceedings and close the file. The resolution does not assess the environmental viability of the plant, but merely confirms the urban planning incompatibility officially reported by the City Council. This means the company could attempt to submit a new project in another location or with a different zoning classification, although for now, the administrative route is closed.
The reaction of the neighborhood association
The Coresana Association, which led the opposition, is pleased with the decision. In a statement, they expressed their delight and emphasized that they are not against biogas technology itself, but rather against "poorly planned projects that disregard the law, the environment, and the people who live there." The group expressed its gratitude for the support of its members , as well as the collaboration of the mayor and the Coreses governing team, who attended the information sessions and reviewed the projects. They also thanked the Zamora en Pie Federation and the lawyer Pilar Calvo.
The association has cited the struggle in Coreses as an example, comparing it to 'David versus Goliath'. They hope this case will serve as a reference for other towns experiencing similar situations, joining the community rebellion against large-scale biogas plants . Furthermore, they have announced they will continue working to stop another biogas plant planned for the former gravel pit owned by the Zamora Provincial Council. In their opinion, they don't understand why the Regional Government and the Provincial Council are giving the green light to projects they consider unviable and which, according to them, 'would lead to the squandering of our energy resources and further depopulation'.
Potential resources and future of the project
Norbiogas Biometano III, SL still has the option to file an optional appeal for reconsideration within one month of receiving notification of the resolution. It could also appeal to the administrative courts within two months. However, the association believes they will not do so because, in their view, the current regulations cannot be complied with under any circumstances. It remains to be seen whether the company decides to fight the case in court or accepts the dismissal.
In short, the shelving of the biogas plant project in Coreses represents a milestone for the local residents' movement , which has managed to halt a project it considered detrimental to the municipality. The regional government's decision, based on the unfavorable urban planning report from the town council, closes the door on this particular initiative, although the company can still appeal. Meanwhile, the residents' association has already set its sights on other similar projects in the area, hoping that the Coreses experience will serve to protect the environment and the quality of life of the local residents.
