Spain is making remarkable strides in its pursuit of renewable energy goals, driven by its target outlined in its National Energy and Climate Plan to achieve 50 gigawatts of installed wind power capacity by 2030. During the early 1990s, the average capacity of wind turbines installed in Spain ranged from 200 to 250 kilowatts. However, in recent times, advancements in technology and materials have made it feasible to construct wind turbines capable of generating over 10 megawatts. Thus, wind farms with higher capacities can be developed. Nonetheless, Spain does not have colossal wind farms of similar capacity as the UK, the US, or India. Rather, there is a large number of small and medium-scale wind farms spread all over the country. In this article, we introduce the country’s three largest already operational wind farms as of September 2023.
1) Gecama Wind Project in Castile-La Mancha
Situated in Castile-La Mancha, the onshore Gecama Wind Project became operational in July 2022. Generating an impressive 331.2 MW of renewable energy, the project shows Spain’s commitment to wind power expansion. It was developed in a single phase by Assignia Infraestructuras, Enlight Renewable Energy, and Grupo Essentium. Now, it is mainly owned by Enlight Renewable Energy (72%), but also by Menora Mivtachim Holdings and others.
Location: Castile-La Mancha
Developers: Assignia Infraestructuras, Enlight Renewable Energy, and Grupo Essentium
Owner: Enlight Renewable Energy, Menora Mivtachim Holdings
2) El Andévalo Wind Complex in Huelva
Located in the picturesque landscapes of Huelva, Andalusia, the El Andévalo Wind Farm is a significant contributor to Spain’s renewable energy landscape. Initially owned by Gamesa, Iberdrola Renewables bought the wind farm complex and has expanded it from 244MW to 292MW by completing another acquisition from Gamesa, adding the 48MW Los Lirios wind farm.
Owner: Iberdrola Renewables
Location: Huelva, Andalusia
3) Maranchón Wind Farm in Guadalajara
At 208 MW, the Maranchón Wind Farm was the largest wind farm in Spain at the time of construction. Located in Maranchón in the Spanish province of Guadalajara, this wind park is managed by Iberdrola.
Location: Maranchón, northeast of the province of Guadalajara
Owner: Iberdrola Renewables
These three wind farms show Spain’s dedication to cleaner energy sources and are significant in driving the nation toward its renewable energy goals.
Image: Anastasia Palagutina via Unsplash (06.09.2023)
