Iberdrola’s joint venture, Aixeindar, has announced plans to construct a new 40-megawatt (MW) onshore wind farm in the Basque Country, marking a significant step in the region's energy transition and Spain’s broader decarbonization efforts. The project, named Laminoria, will be located in the municipalities of Arraia-Maeztu and Bernedo in Álava, with construction anticipated to commence in late 2024, targeting commercial operation by 2026.

The Laminoria wind farm represents a crucial investment in local renewable energy infrastructure, capable of generating approximately 120 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually, sufficient to power over 30,000 homes. This output will displace an estimated 48,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, contributing directly to the Basque Country's climate objectives and Spain's National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), which targets 74% renewable electricity generation by 2030.

Aixeindar, a 50/50 joint venture between Iberdrola and the Basque Energy Agency (EVE), was established in 2018 to promote onshore wind and photovoltaic projects within the Basque Autonomous Community. The Laminoria project is a testament to this partnership's commitment to fostering local energy self-sufficiency and industrial development. The selection of the site followed extensive environmental and technical assessments, aiming to minimize ecological impact while maximizing energy yield.

“The Laminoria wind farm is a cornerstone of our strategy to accelerate the energy transition in the Basque Country, leveraging local resources and expertise,” stated Xabier Viteri, Director of Renewables at Iberdrola. “This project not only enhances our renewable generation capacity but also reinforces our commitment to sustainable development and job creation in the region.”

The Basque Country, while historically reliant on industrial energy consumption, is actively diversifying its energy mix. The Laminoria project follows the recent commissioning of the 20-MW Azazeta wind farm, also developed by Aixeindar, further solidifying the region's position in Spain's renewable energy landscape. These developments are critical as Spain aims to significantly increase its installed renewable capacity, with onshore wind playing a pivotal role due to its proven reliability and cost-effectiveness. The project will utilize state-of-the-art wind turbine technology, ensuring high efficiency and operational longevity, and is expected to create local employment opportunities during its construction and operational phases.