Iberdrola receives approval for El Escudo Wind Farm construction in Spain
Iberdrola has received approval to commence preliminary construction of the El Escudo wind farm in Cantabria, Spain. The project, led by local firm Biocantaber, in which Iberdrola España holds a stake, aims to enhance Spain’s renewable energy capacity.
With a planned capacity of 101 MW, El Escudo will generate enough energy to power 95,300 households annually and prevent the emission of 45,000 metric tons of CO₂ each year. The project represents a EUR 120 million investment.
El Escudo will be the first wind farm in Spain to use building information modelling (BIM) for precise construction management and environmental impact reduction. The farm will feature 24 turbines across four municipalities: Molledo, Luena, and Campoo de Yuso will host 23 turbines and the electrical substation. One turbine was removed during the permitting process but may be reinstated pending archaeological surveys.
The digital model for the project is being developed by INGECID, a Cantabrian company. The project received its environmental impact statement in May 2021, prior administrative authorization in May 2022, and construction approval from the Regional Commission for Territorial and Urban Planning in October 2023.
Iberdrola reported a 64 per cent increase in net profits to EUR 4.1 billion for the first half of 2024, driven by the sale of its Mexican business operations. In June 2023, Iberdrola sold a 55 per cent stake in its Mexican business, including 8.5 GW of gas-fired plants, to Mexico Infrastructures Partners, resulting in EUR 1.2 billion in capital gains. Additionally, in July 2024, Iberdrola announced the progression of its EUR 1 billion Windanker offshore wind project into the delivery phase.