The Montes de Cierzo wind farm (Navarra) is emerging as a benchmark for sustainability thanks to the repowering project led by Statkraft, with the participation of Eiffage Energía Sistemas and technology provided by Siemens.
The aim of this project is to optimise the wind farm’s performance by reducing the number of wind turbines while increasing their generation capacity. This transformation has now been completed, resulting in an 84% reduction in the number of turbines and an increase of over 50% in installed capacity.
Comprehensive implementation of the energy infrastructure
Eiffage Energía Sistemas plays a key role in the project as the company responsible for delivering the electrical infrastructure associated with the wind farm’s repowering.
Its involvement spans the design, procurement, and construction phases, including both civil works and the electrical system. Key activities include the construction of the wind turbine foundations, the development of access roads and assembly platforms, and the installation of medium- and high-voltage power lines for transmitting the energy generated.
Wind farm repowering: double efficiency with fewer wind turbines
The Montes de Cierzo wind farm, in operation since 2000, originally had an installed capacity of 60 MW and 84 wind turbines. Following the repowering, the number of turbines has been reduced to just 14 wind turbines, while its annual clean energy production has doubled, increasing from 145 GWh to 300 GWh.
This model maximises the wind farm’s energy efficiency while improving its integration into the surrounding environment, reducing its environmental impact and optimising the use of available wind resources.
Innovative technology aligned with European regulations
Contracted by Eiffage Energía Sistemas, Siemens has supplied 11 medium-voltage switchgear units for the construction of two substations, incorporating fluorinated gas-free (SF6) technology, a pioneering feature for this type of installation in Spain.
This new generation of electrical switchgear enables a sustainable and digital substation, while ensuring compliance with European Regulation 2024/573 on Fluorinated Gases, which restricts the use of SF6-containing equipment up to 24 kV from January 2026 and extends this restriction to January 2030 for voltages above 24 kV and up to 52 kV.
The project, led by Statkraft, Europe’s largest renewable energy producer, in collaboration with Eiffage Energía Sistemas, involves the construction of an electrical substation to transmit power from the repowering of the Montes de Cierzo wind farm, located in Navarre. This facility currently has an installed capacity of 61 megawatts and produces an annual output of 145 GWh, enabling it to supply clean, local, and affordable energy to more than 41,000 households in Navarre. It also contributes to preventing the emission of approximately 40,000 tonnes of CO2.
Economic impact and job creation
The project, with an investment of approximately €100 million by Statkraft, has a direct impact on local economic development. During peak phases, it is estimated that around 90 professionals will be involved, with priority given to hiring and collaborating with local suppliers.
Comprehensive implementation of the project’s electrical infrastructure
As part of this project, Eiffage Energía Sistemas plays a key role as the contractor responsible for delivering the electrical infrastructure associated with the repowering of the Montes de Cierzo wind farm. Its scope covers the engineering, construction, and commissioning of the electrical substation, as well as the development of the infrastructure required for the transmission of the generated energy.
This is a highly complex technical project, integrating advanced solutions aimed at improving the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the electricity system, in line with the sector’s decarbonisation objectives. The project ensures the correct connection of the repowered wind farm to the grid, helping to maximise its performance and maintain supply stability.
