Spain Confirms Catalan Photovoltaic Park Encroaches on Catalonia from Andorra

Spain's technical report, now delivered to the bilateral joint commission, confirms that the Planell de la Tosa photovoltaic park—supplying power to the Pal Arinsal ski station—encroaches substantially on territory in the Catalan municipality of Os de Civís. The findings match a 2021 analysis by Catalan Agents Rurals, which used GPS data and official Spanish-Catalan maps to determine the plant covers roughly 16,000 square metres in Catalonia and 5,130 square metres in Andorra, from a total area of about 22,000 square metres. Andorran officials maintain the entire facility lies within their borders and have refrained from commenting until they complete their own study.

The Andorran government anticipates finalising its technical report in the coming weeks, after which both sides will exchange documents through the joint commission. Government spokesman Guillem Casal clarified that the process involves mutual submission rather than unilateral delivery, with technical agreements validated directly and discrepancies escalated to political negotiations. "We are at the conclusion of the technical phase; we have to prepare a report and they do too," Casal said following a Council of Ministers meeting. He expects political discussions to begin in the coming months, potentially by summer, and to conclude satisfactorily within months, thanks to strong cordiality between the parties.

Casal noted that some differences between the reports are normal and not concerning, as the final outcome will hinge on political flexibility rather than technical findings alone. Spanish sources described their study as highly technical internal work for the commission, conducted in a dialogue-oriented spirit aimed at consensus through an international treaty. Negotiations remain on hold until Andorra submits its report; Casal mentioned a possible kickoff meeting in Madrid this spring, though no date has been set.

The Planell de la Tosa dispute, triggered by Madrid's concerns over the plant's construction, is one of seven border points spanning nearly 10 kilometres and totalling around 200 hectares. Key areas include 80.71 hectares in the Laquell stream valley near the Francolí refuge between Sant Julià de Lòria and Civís; 76.56 hectares on the southern slope of Pic de Montmalús between Encamp and Lles de Cerdanya; and 29.88 hectares between Escaldes-Engordany and Bescaran. Technicians from both countries have conducted on-site surveys and reviewed 19th-century documents to identify boundary markers. Both sides emphasise commitment to agreement without confrontation.