Grupo Enhol taps Nordex turbines for 34 MW repowering of Spanish wind facility – Energies Media

Report on the Caparroso Wind Facility Repowering Project and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report details the agreement between Grupo Enhol and the Nordex Group for the repowering of a 34.2 MW wind facility in Caparroso, Spain. The project is a significant step in advancing Spain’s renewable energy capacity and directly supports the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Project Contribution to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The repowering of the Caparroso wind project is a direct contribution to the targets of SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. By replacing older turbines with advanced technology, the project enhances energy efficiency and increases the share of renewable energy in Spain’s national grid.

Key Project Details

• Client: Grupo Enhol
• Supplier: Nordex Group
• Project: Repowering of the Caparroso wind facility
• Total Installed Capacity: 34.2 MW
• Additional Services: A 20-year Premium Service contract for maintenance and operation.

This initiative aligns with the recent G20 Declaration to triple global clean energy production, demonstrating a tangible commitment to the objectives outlined in SDG 7.

Alignment with SDG 13: Climate Action

The global energy transition away from fossil fuels is a critical component of SDG 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The Caparroso project exemplifies this transition by replacing less efficient infrastructure with modern wind power technology, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

International Context

1. G20 Summit Commitments: Nations reaffirmed their dedication to reducing emissions, building on promises made at the Paris Summit.
2. New G20 Declaration: A new agreement was reached to triple clean energy production and double energy efficiency, directly supporting SDG 13 targets.
3. Spain’s National Strategy: The project is part of Spain’s broader commitment to revolutionize its energy sector in line with international climate goals.

Fostering SDG 9 and SDG 8: Sustainable Infrastructure and Economic Growth

The project supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by investing in resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure. The use of advanced turbine technology represents an industrial innovation that enhances energy efficiency. Furthermore, the project contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through local manufacturing and job creation.

Manufacturing and Economic Impact

• Wind towers, turbine blades, and other essential components will be manufactured by Nordex in Spain.
• Hubs and drive train components will be produced at Nordex’s facility in Germany.
• The project is financed through the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (Regulation (EU) 2021/241), designed to foster sustainable economic recovery and infrastructure development.
• Installation is scheduled to begin in July 2026, with commissioning expected by February 2027.

Strengthening SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The collaboration between Grupo Enhol and the Nordex Group is a prime example of SDG 17, which promotes partnerships to achieve sustainable development. This long-standing relationship has resulted in the successful implementation of multiple renewable energy projects, accelerating the energy transition through effective cooperation.

History of Collaboration

The Caparroso repowering project builds on a successful history of partnership, which includes the development of other significant wind farms in the Navarra region:

• Abilitas (41.6 MW)
• Cabanillas (56.5 MW)
• Pestriz (52.8 MW)

This continued collaboration underscores the importance of public-private and international partnerships in scaling up renewable energy solutions to meet global sustainability targets.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article is centered on the “gradual phasing out of the coal and oil sector in favor of the untapped potential of the renewable energy sector.” It highlights specific wind power projects in Spain, such as the 34.2 MW repowering of the Caparroso facility and other projects in Navarra, which directly contribute to increasing the share of renewable energy. The G20 declaration to “triple clean energy production” is a direct commitment to this target.
   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. The article explicitly mentions that the new G20 Declaration includes an agreement to “double the energy efficiency of existing projects,” which aligns perfectly with this target.
   • Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology. The partnership between the Spanish company Grupo Enhol and the international firm Nordex for turbine delivery and a 20-year service contract is a clear example of international cooperation. The project is also financed through the EU’s “Recovery and Resilience Facility,” demonstrating investment in clean energy infrastructure.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies. The core subject of the article, the “repowering of a Spanish wind facility,” is a direct example of upgrading existing infrastructure with more advanced and efficient technology (“advanced turbine technology”). This process makes the energy industry more sustainable.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The article references the G20 Summit and the Paris Summit, where nations reaffirmed their “commitment to reducing emissions.” Spain’s commitment to “completely revolutionizing its energy sector” and the broader “necessary energy transition” are examples of integrating climate action into national energy strategies.

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. The collaboration between Grupo Enhol and Nordex, supported by financing from the European Union’s “Recovery and Resilience Facility,” exemplifies a multi-stakeholder partnership driving the energy transition. The article notes the “long-standing relationship” between the two companies, highlighting a successful private-sector partnership.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators for SDG 7

   • Installed capacity of renewable energy generation: The article provides specific quantitative data for several wind projects, which can be used to measure progress. This includes the “34 MW repowering of a Spanish wind facility,” and other projects like Abilitas (41.6 MW), Cabanillas (56.5 MW), and Pestriz (52.8 MW). These figures are direct measures of increased renewable energy capacity.
   • Commitments to increase clean energy production and efficiency: The mention of the G20 Declaration to “triple clean energy production” and “double the energy efficiency of existing projects” serves as a high-level qualitative indicator of policy commitment and ambition.

2. Indicators for SDG 9

   • Investment in sustainable infrastructure: The financing of the repowering project “through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, established by Regulation (EU) 2021/241” is a specific financial indicator of investment being directed towards upgrading and developing sustainable infrastructure.

3. Indicators for SDG 13

   • National commitments to emission reduction: The article’s reference to nations “doubling down on their commitment to reducing emissions” at the G20 Summit and reaffirming promises from the “Paris Summit” serves as an indicator of national policies and strategies aimed at climate action.

4. Indicators for SDG 17

   • Number and scale of public-private partnerships for sustainable development: The deal between Grupo Enhol and Nordex, including a “20-year Premium Service contract,” is a concrete example of a private-private partnership. The involvement of the EU’s financing facility also points to a public-private partnership structure.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: energiesmedia.com