Vestas and Iberdrola to Repower Spanish Wind Farms, Boosting Efficiency and Sustainability

Vestas has been awarded a significant contract from Iberdrola to repower two key wind farms in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain—Molar de Molinar and Isabela—underlining the push to modernize Spain’s wind energy infrastructure. This 99MW order will replace outdated turbines, boosting energy output by 30% and aligning with Spain’s broader renewable energy strategy. The project highlights Spain’s commitment to enhancing wind capacity while minimizing environmental impact.

A Major Step in Spain’s Wind Infrastructure Modernization
Vestas will supply and install 22 advanced wind turbines for the Molar de Molinar and Isabela wind farms. The Molar de Molinar site will receive 11 V150-4.5 MW turbines, while 11 V136-4.5 MW turbines will be installed at Isabela. This repowering project is set to replace 139 older, smaller turbines that were originally part of the wind farms. The new turbines’ advanced design is expected to increase the energy output of these facilities by approximately 30%, improving overall efficiency and performance.

This initiative is part of a larger trend in Spain’s energy transition. By 2025, over 9.9GW of wind capacity will reach 20 years of service, making the repowering of aging turbines a critical component of Spain’s strategy to modernize its wind energy infrastructure. The new turbines will not only increase energy production but also reduce land use and environmental impact by utilizing fewer, more efficient machines.

Enhanced Efficiency and Reduced Environmental Footprint
The repowering process will lead to significant reductions in land use and environmental disruption while boosting capacity. Previously, Molar de Molinar had 75 smaller turbines, and Isabela had 64 turbines. The transition to 22 larger, more efficient turbines will streamline operations and contribute to Spain’s goals of increasing its renewable energy share and reducing CO2 emissions.

Upon completion, the repowered wind farms will prevent the emission of approximately 53,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, supporting Iberdrola’s sustainability and environmental goals. This project aligns with Spain’s broader objectives to reduce its carbon footprint and accelerate the transition to a greener energy system.

Integrating Recycling and Sustainability in the Wind Industry
As part of the effort to reduce the environmental impact of the wind energy sector, Iberdrola has partnered with EnergyLoop to recycle the dismantled turbines and manage the waste materials. The company will handle the recycling of turbine blades and ensure that materials from the decommissioned turbines are appropriately disposed of. This recycling initiative is crucial in maintaining a sustainable lifecycle for wind energy infrastructure. Iberdrola’s commitment to recycling highlights the growing importance of sustainability in the wind energy industry. By focusing on efficient turbine technology and responsible waste management, the company is reinforcing its role in the global push for clean energy and environmental stewardship.