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Spain's Wind Power: From Windsurfers to Giants
7 Sep
Summary
- Spain's renewable energy sector began slowly in the mid-1990s.
- Early wind turbine repairs involved unconventional methods like using windsurfing equipment.
- The industry's low-tech beginnings contrast sharply with its current scale.

Spain's commitment to renewable energy sources commenced with a slow, yet determined, start in the mid-1990s. The industry was in its infancy, characterized by low-tech solutions. An illustrative example from this period involved a wind turbine blade repair at the nation's largest wind farm. The maintenance required an unconventional approach, with a windsurfer friend being enlisted to perform the repair using equipment similar to that used for windsurfing.
This early phase of Spain's wind power development showcased its nascent stage, a far cry from the sophisticated and large-scale operations seen today. The industry has since grown exponentially, transforming from these rudimentary beginnings into a significant player in global renewable energy.