Castilla la Mancha encourages renewable energy as opportunity for jobs and economic development
Region aims for 100% of households to be supplied by renewable energy in 2012
Castilla la Mancha in the centre of
Spain , where the Maranchon wind farm Complex is located, is an excellent example of a region determined to reduce its carbon footprint and encourage sustainable energy.
The last few years have seen a steady increase in the number of wind power installations in this sparcely populated region. By the beginning of 2009 the total capacity had reached 3,416 MW.
Castilla la Mancha in the centre of
The last few years have seen a steady increase in the number of wind power installations in this sparcely populated region. By the beginning of 2009 the total capacity had reached 3,416 MW.
A new law introduced in 2007, covering both green power and energy efficiency, has the aim that by 2012 all the electricity used by households in Castilla la Mancha will come from renewable sources. The present contribution is 70%.
Renewable energy has been encouraged in Castilla la Mancha because it helps to reduce the region’s output of polluting gases. It also creates jobs and new economic activity. A policy of support for sustainable energy, especially wind, sun and biomass power, has been operating for more than a decade.
One result is that numerous companies have established operating and production bases in the region, including Iberdrola Renewables, General Electric and Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas, which this year opened a 30,000 square metre blade factory.
Iberdrola Renewables is the leading developer of renewable energy in Castilla la Mancha, where it has already invested over €2.4 billion. This has helped create more than 500 jobs in the region, both directly and through sub-contracts to local businesses.
The Company has a capacity of 1.981 megawatts in this region.
Nationally, the Spanish Wind Energy Association (
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