The project, declared to be of “Foral Interest” by the Government of Navarre, will involve the installation of 17 new wind turbines using more modern and efficient technology, as well as the dismantling of 142 turbines that are nearing the end of their 24-year operational lifespan. Support for the Green Energy Industry is one of the six strategic priorities of Navarre’s Smart Specialisation Strategy (S4), which includes actions such as extending the operational life of wind and solar farms through expansion, repowering, or sustainable decommissioning. Similarly, the 2021–2025 Industry Plan prioritises the development of renewable energy by encouraging the growth of a dedicated sector in the region, along with its digital and ecological transformation.
The four repowering projects are expected to take 14 months to complete, requiring between 150 and 200 people during the construction phase, and 20 mobile staff members afterward.
During the installation phase of the new turbines, the workforce profile will consist of approximately 5% senior engineers, 15% technical engineers, 70% technicians such as assemblers, crane operators and electricians, and 10% from other professional backgrounds.
The expected lifespan of the new facilities is 30 years. During this time, 12 maintenance professionals will be required: four at each of the ‘Caparroso’ and ‘La Bandera’ wind farms, and two at both ‘Serralta’ and ‘San Gregorio’.
Project details:
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Caparroso Wind Farm (Eólica Caparroso S.L.U.): dismantling 42 turbines and installing 6 new turbines of 5.7 MW each (34.2 MW total), with 120-metre towers and 163-metre rotor diameters.
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Serralta Wind Farm (Eólica Cabanillas S.L.U.): dismantling 20 turbines and installing 2 new turbines of 7 MW each (14 MW total), with 118-metre towers and 163-metre rotor diameters.
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San Gregorio Wind Farm (also Eólica Cabanillas S.L.U.): dismantling 25 turbines and installing 3 new turbines of 5 MW each (15 MW total), with 120-metre towers and 155-metre rotor diameters.
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La Bandera Wind Farm (Eólica La Bandera S.L.U.), located across Fustiñana, Cabanillas and Bardenas Reales: dismantling 43 turbines and installing 6 new turbines of 5.7 MW each (34.2 MW total), with 120-metre towers and 163-metre rotor diameters.
These four repowering projects are supported by grants from the Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE), under the investment aid programmes for wind farm repowering, technological and environmental upgrades of hydroelectric plants (up to 10 MW), and innovative recycling solutions for wind turbine blades (Circular Repowering Programmes), all funded by the Next Generation EU recovery plan.
NAVARRE’S RENEWABLE ENERGY ECOSYSTEM
Navarre is a pioneer and European benchmark in renewable energy production, with a long-standing commitment to industrial and technological innovation that has contributed to the development of new global wind energy standards.
The renewable energy sector is the third most important industry in the region, following the automotive and agri-food sectors. It includes a robust industrial network of more than 110 companies, representing 10% of industrial employment and generating €4.5 billion in revenue—equivalent to 5% of the region’s GDP. It is also Navarre’s second largest exporting sector, especially in the manufacturing of wind turbines and their components.
The region’s dense industrial ecosystem covers all links in the value chain, including a major renewable energy operator (Acciona Energía) and two leading OEMs (Siemens Gamesa and Nordex-Acciona Windpower), along with a strong network of SMEs specialising in high-value components such as blades, control systems, bearings, and gearboxes. Anyone interested in learning more about Navarre’s renewable ecosystem can do so at this link.
Source: Navarra.es