Abstract
The current expansion of ever larger and more powerful renewable energy plants has led to a competition for land use in many areas of Spain. This research aims to provide an analysis for the debate on a just energy transition. The contribution consists of identifying and classifying the relationships between the conflicting parties (actors and their coalitions), the conflict issues (arguments or claims that the parties use to oppose each other) and the characteristics of renewable energy projects (onshore wind and solar photovoltaic). The results are based on a comprehensive analysis of 50 case studies, applying a sequential explanatory research design, including document analysis, interviews and multivariate analysis statistics. Despite the essential differences between the two types of technology, most of the parties and issues that arise in the conflicts have a common root. We have identified seventeen issues, thirteen conflicting parties and propose a five-category conflict typology. The conclusions include recommendations on what planners and developers can learn and what measures and practices to put in place to minimise potential conflicts with RE.