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DAVOS, SWITZERLAND — Elon Musk has ignited a fresh debate over Europe’s renewable energy future by proposing that the sparsely populated regions of rural Spain could serve as a massive solar generator for the entire continent.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO suggested that "España vaciada" (Empty Spain)—areas known for their low population density and abundant sunshine—is ideally situated to host the scale of solar infrastructure needed to power Europe.

The Proposal

During a wide-ranging discussion on energy and technology with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Musk argued that the physical land and solar resources are already available. He specifically highlighted rural Spain, along with parts of Sicily, as prime candidates for utility-scale solar farms.

"Relatively sparsely populated areas... could generate all the electricity Europe needs," Musk stated. He emphasized that the barrier to this vision is not technological but rather a matter of investment and political will. To bolster his argument, he pointed to China, which is already operating solar farms capable of producing hundreds of gigawatts annually, proving that infrastructure of this magnitude is feasible.

Beyond Energy: Robots and AI

Musk’s appearance at Davos was not limited to energy policy. He used the platform to make bold predictions about the near future of technology:

• Robotics: He predicted that robots would eventually outnumber humans, with Tesla’s own humanoid robot, "Optimus," potentially ready for consumers by 2027.

• Artificial Intelligence: Musk forecasted that AI could reach human-level intelligence as early as late 2026 or 2027, with "super-intelligent" AI surpassing collective human reasoning by the early 2030s.

Challenges and Reactions

While Musk’s comments highlight the strategic advantage of Southern Europe's geography, the concept faces significant practical hurdles. Transforming vast tracts of rural land into a continental power hub would require:

• Massive upgrades to the European electrical grid to transport power north.

• Complex international regulatory agreements.

• Strict environmental impact assessments to protect local biodiversity.

As of now, neither the Spanish government nor European Union institutions have adopted this specific vision as official policy. Experts acknowledge that while Spain is rapidly expanding its renewable capacity, dedicating its rural interior to powering the rest of Europe remains a hypothetical scenario rather than a planned reality.

Nevertheless, Musk’s proposal has successfully thrust the potential of "Empty Spain" back into the spotlight, challenging European leaders to think bigger about how they utilize their geography in the transition away from fossil fuels.

For British expats, property owners, and regular visitors to Spain, the bureaucratic landscape of post-Brexit travel has been a source of constant "will-they-won't-they" tension. In a significant update for the 2026 travel season, it has been confirmed that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been delayed once again, with a new rollout target of 2027.

Here is what this latest reprieve means for the Eye on Spain community and your upcoming travel plans.

The ETIAS Delay: A Brief Sigh of Relief

The ETIAS system—often compared to the US ESTA—is designed to require non-EU citizens (including Britons) to apply for a €7 travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area. Originally slated for 2024, then 2025, and then 2026, the system has faced repeated technical hurdles.

The latest reports from Brussels indicate that the infrastructure is still not ready for a seamless launch. Consequently, British travellers can continue to visit Spain throughout 2026 without the need for this specific digital permit.

Why the Delay? The EES Connection

The primary reason for the ETIAS postponement is its dependency on the Entry/Exit System (EES).

The EES is the automated system that will replace manual passport stamping with biometric data collection (fingerprints and facial scans) at borders. EU officials have prioritized getting the EES hardware and software operational at major hubs—like Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, and Málaga airports—before layering the ETIAS permit system on top of it.

What Does This Mean for Your 2026 Travel?

1. No Extra Fees (For Now): You won’t need to pay the €7 fee or fill out the ETIAS application form for your summer 2026 holidays or visits to your Spanish home.

2. Passport Stamping Continues: Until the EES is fully active, the "old-fashioned" manual passport stamping will remain the norm. This means you must still be diligent about the 90/180-day rule.

3. 90-Day Rule Still Applies: It is vital to remember that the delay of ETIAS does not change the residency or duration-of-stay rules. British visitors are still limited to 90 days in any 180-day period unless they hold a TIE (residency card) or a relevant visa.

Preparing for the Future

While the delay to 2027 offers a temporary reprieve, the digital border is still coming. Once ETIAS eventually launches:

• Validity: The permit will be valid for three years (or until your passport expires).

• Cost: It will be free for those under 18 or over 70, and €7 for everyone else.

• Application: It will be a digital-only process, usually approved within minutes, though travelers are advised to apply at least 72 hours before departure.

The Bottom Line for Eye on Spain Readers

For those planning their 2026 trips to the Costas or the Islands, this news removes one layer of potential travel friction. You can book your flights and ferries with the confidence that, for another year at least, the only "paperwork" you'll need is your valid passport and, if applicable, your proof of Spanish residency.