Iberdrola gets green light for El Escudo wind farm in Spain

Iberdrola España has secured approval to proceed with the construction of the El Escudo wind farm in Cantabria, marking a significant advancement in Spain’s renewable energy sector. With an investment of €120 million, this ambitious project is set to feature 24 wind turbines and generate a total output of 101 megawatts (MW), providing enough renewable energy to power approximately 95,300 households annually while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 45,000 tonnes each year.

Project details and technology

The El Escudo wind farm, a venture through Biocantaber—a company in which Iberdrola España holds a stake—has officially received the necessary building permit to commence construction. The project, notable for being the first in Spain to incorporate Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, aims to meticulously manage the impact of the construction works. BIM technology, developed by Cantabrian company INGECID and associated with the Santander School of Civil Engineering, will offer a comprehensive digital model of the project, enhancing control and minimising environmental impact.

Initial construction activities include the development of internal access roads, the establishment of foundations for power lines, and the levelling of land for the future substation, which will collect the renewable energy produced. The El Escudo wind farm will span the municipalities of Molledo, Luena, and Campoo de Yuso, where 23 of the 24 turbines and the electrical substation will be installed. The remaining turbine will be located in the municipality of Aguayo.

Local impact and support initiatives

The wind farm’s construction will generate up to 200 jobs at peak periods and significantly benefit local businesses across various sectors, including civil works, electrical engineering, logistics, and maintenance. Beyond the economic impact, Iberdrola España has committed to supporting the local community by funding English lessons and extra support for children in Campoo de Yuso. Once operational, the wind farm will offer local residents preferential electricity tariffs and additional measures aimed at improving quality of life and bolstering economic activity to combat rural depopulation.

Regulatory approvals and ongoing process

The project has navigated a rigorous administrative process, having obtained the Environmental Impact Statement (DIA) in May 2021 and the Prior Administrative Authorisation (AAP) in May 2022. The Regional Commission for Territorial and Urban Planning (CROTU) authorised the construction of the wind farm in October 2023. The Environmental Impact Statement process led to the reduction of the initial number of wind turbines from 32 to 24, with the potential for additional turbines to be authorised after further environmental assessments. Additionally, a wind turbine was temporarily removed from the plans pending archaeological surveys, with its reinstatement contingent upon a favourable outcome.

Challenges from local groups, such as the Platform for the Defence of the Cantabrian Mountains, were addressed when the TSJC and TSJM courts dismissed appeals to halt the project, confirming the project’s compliance with environmental and cultural regulations. The project has also secured approvals from various regulatory bodies, including the Authorisation of Roads and River Basin Confederation, the Authorisation of Biodiversity, and the Authorisation of Cultural Heritage.

Evaluating the significance of the El Escudo wind farm

The El Escudo wind farm represents a pivotal development in Spain’s renewable energy landscape, demonstrating Iberdrola España’s commitment to innovative and sustainable energy solutions. By leveraging advanced BIM technology and investing significantly in local communities, the project sets a new standard for large-scale renewable initiatives. As Spain continues to transition towards greener energy sources, the successful implementation of the El Escudo wind farm will likely serve as a model for future projects, highlighting the importance of integrating cutting-edge technologies and addressing local and environmental considerations.