The Labraza wind farm, jointly owned by Iberdrola España and the Basque Energy Agency, receives more than twice the amount sought in its local funding initiative

Applications totalled €6.5 million, more than double the €3 million available
More than one third of the investment—€1.1 million—came from residents of Labraza, Barriobusto and Oion, the communities closest to the wind farm
The initiative prioritised residents of Labraza, Barriobusto, Oion and the Rioja Alavesa region, where more than 60% of the investment originated, while remaining open to all residents of Álava
Nearly 70% of investments were below €25,000
Residents of the Administrative Councils of Labraza and Barriobusto will also benefit from a special electricity tariff once the wind farm enters operation

Onshore wind energy

Wind farm in mountainous landscape at sunset with wind turbines and colorful sky.

First wind farm project in the Basque Country in 20 years.

The Labraza wind farm, jointly owned by Iberdrola España and the Basque Energy Agency (EVE), has attracted more than twice the level of investment sought through its community funding initiative. Applications totalled more than €6.5 million, compared with the €3 million available.

The Labraza funding initiative has secured €3 million in investments from residents of Álava who are keen to play an active role in this sustainable wind energy project.

The strong response highlights the level of interest generated by the initiative both in Rioja Alavesa and across the wider Historical Territory of Álava. A total of 88 investors participated, collectively contributing the full €3 million available through the scheme.

More than one third of the investment—€1.1 million—came from residents of Labraza, Barriobusto and Oion, the municipalities closest to the wind farm. Including investors from the wider Rioja Alavesa area, more than 60% of the total investment originated from the project's priority area. Residents of these communities were given priority access because of their proximity to the wind farm. Applications from elsewhere in Álava totalled €1.17 million.

The investment profile was also highly diversified: 16% of contributions were up to €5,000, 42% ranged between €5,000 and €25,000, and the remaining 42% exceeded €25,000.

Launched on 18 May, the Labraza community funding initiative offered residents the opportunity to participate in a three-year crowdlending scheme with a guaranteed fixed annual return of 7%. Individual investments ranged from €1,000 to €100,000. Although priority was given to residents of Labraza, Barriobusto, Oion and Rioja Alavesa, the initiative was open to all residents of Álava, while ensuring that communities closest to the wind farm received preferential access.

First wind farm project in the Basque Country in 20 years

The Labraza wind farm, the first wind energy project to be built in the Basque Country in two decades, is currently under construction. It represents a €59 million public-private investment by Iberdrola España and the Basque Energy Agency (EVE).

Once operational, the 40 MW wind farm will increase the Basque Country's installed wind capacity by 26%, from 155 MW to 193 MW. It is expected to generate around 100,000 MWh of renewable electricity each year—enough to supply approximately 30,000 households—while avoiding the emission of around 16,300 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Benefits for the local communities and biodiversity

During construction, the Labraza wind farm is expected to create up to 90 jobs, primarily for local workers. It will also generate long-term economic benefits for local authorities, residents and businesses in the surrounding area.

Construction of the wind farm will generate around €1.2 million in initial revenue for the local council, followed by approximately €230,000 a year in recurring tax income and levies. In addition, local residents will benefit from a reduced electricity tariff throughout the operational life of the wind farm.

The project also incorporates a range of innovative environmental measures designed to protect wildlife and enhance biodiversity, including:

Detection systems for protected bird species linked to automatic turbine shutdown technology.
Landscape restoration and environmental integration through hydroseeding and native planting.
Habitat restoration focused on Habitats of Community Interest.
Restoration of scrubland and enrichment planting with native broad-leaved species on land managed by Reforestation Consortium No. 259.
Vegetation screening along selected sections of the Camino Ignaciano.

The Labraza wind farm, jointly owned by Iberdrola España and the Basque Energy Agency, receives more than twice the amount sought in its local funding initiative

The Labraza wind farm, jointly owned by Iberdrola España and the Basque Energy Agency, receives more than twice the amount sought in its local funding initiative

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