Andorra Accelerates Decarbonised Energy Shift Amid Import Reliance and Airport Upgrades

David Forné, Andorra's Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Transport and Mobility, has defended accelerating the shift to a more sovereign, decarbonised and secure energy model, highlighting the principality's heavy reliance on imports amid global market volatility and the climate crisis.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday at HiveFive Coworking during European Sustainable Energy Week, Forné addressed recent flight disruptions at Andorra-La Seu Airport. He explained that the government held a meeting with Air Nostrum, the current operator, to question the significant increase in cancellations and diversions during May. Authorities will monitor the situation through June and July, ahead of an in-person meeting to assess service evolution and decide on the contract's future. While expressing a preference to renew with the long-standing partner, Forné stressed that all options remain open and the executive is prepared for any scenario.

On a positive note, he confirmed the Caubella heliport's opening on 22 June, following a construction meeting that day with the concessionaire to finalise details. The facility marks a historic milestone, providing external links while preserving Massana domestic flights, government operations and emergency services. "Andorra is a first-division country and deserves a first-division airport," Forné said.

These remarks preceded a roundtable on how international conflicts impact energy bills, featuring energy systems expert Marta Sunyé, importers and distributors association president David Porqueres, and Energy and Climate Change Office director Carles Miquel.

Forné reiterated Andorra's vulnerabilities: 80% of electricity imported alongside all fossil fuels. Domestic power generation has risen from 18% to 22-23% in recent years, targeting over 30% via hydroelectric improvements, more than 500 photovoltaic projects and cross-border EDF collaborations. He credited FEDA's pre-2022 energy purchases for shielding users from price surges, alongside policies to cut demand, boost efficiency and expand renewables.

With hydrocarbons lacking immediate substitutes and oil prices holding around €90 per barrel, the government prioritises gradual electrification while monitoring fuel costs. The event was part of a government-FEDA campaign under the slogan "For clean, secure and competitive energy".