Norwegian power company Statkraft AS has embarked on a pioneering initiative in Spain's Basque Country, aiming to promote community involvement in two wind farm projects alongside local construction and engineering cooperative Krean. The collaboration will open up opportunities for public ownership, marking a novel approach to renewable energy development in the region.
Statkraft's Spanish unit has formalized a series of agreements with Krean, with the objective of creating legal and economic mechanisms that facilitate the participation of citizens, local businesses, and public entities in the development of the 60.4-megawatt Itsaraz and the 33-megawatt Piaspe wind projects in Northern Spain. These projects entail investments exceeding EUR 90 million (USD 94.9 million) and are currently in the permitting phase, with commissioning expected in 2027, according to Statkraft.
The innovative aspect of this endeavor is the aspiration to introduce a new renewables development model in collaboration with Krean, allowing the Basque society to assume ownership of the wind farms and benefit from the locally generated electricity.
Krean will take the lead in engaging the public and defining potential ownership models for Basque industrial entities. Furthermore, it will promote the establishment of energy communities involving citizens surrounding the two wind farms. Statkraft also emphasizes the opportunity for individuals to contribute their expertise, experience, and resources throughout the entire project lifecycle.
“This marks the beginning of a new phase for wind power projects in the Basque Country. With Statkraft's and Krean's initiative, the projects seek to conduct a dialogue and involve society in a way that ensures appropriate impacts, shared ownership, and local consumption,” the statement from the Norwegian power producer reads.
Krean, a member of the Basque Country cooperatives federation Mondragon Corporation, is set to play a pivotal role in realizing this community-centric approach to renewable energy development.
