As strange as it may be, Vestas will be the supplier of wind turbines for a total of 184 megawatts (MW) to Avangrid Renewables, a subsidiary of Iberdrola, and not Gamesa, of which Iberdrola is a shareholder. These wind turbines will be used for build a wind farm in Oregon, the aim of which is to supply clean, green energy to the multinational Apple.
Specifically, the Danish manufacturer will provide a total of 41 V136-3.45 MW turbines with a nominal capacity of up to 3,6 MW in the first phase of the project. In addition, an additional 36 MW will be supplied in components compatible with the 4 MW platform. This project seeks to generate sustainable energy in an efficient and large-scale manner.
In addition to supplying the wind turbines, Vestas will be responsible for the maintenance of the project for a minimum period of five years, ensuring that the wind farm operates optimally and providing long-term technical support.
Apple and its wind farm
This wind farm will allow Iberdrola supplying renewable energy to Apple for at least twenty years, with a possible extension of five more years. The investment planned for this ambitious project is at least 300 millionAll of this investment will be managed through Avangrid, Iberdrola's US subsidiary focused on renewable energy.
Tech giant Apple, currently valued at around €880.000 billion, is looking to reduce its carbon footprint, and this deal is key to achieving that. The clean energy generated by the Montague park will be key to meeting the company's environmental commitments in the coming years.
The agreement includes the construction of a wind farm in Gilliam County, Oregon. This plant will have an installed capacity of 200 MW and is expected to begin construction in 2018, with the goal of being operational by 2020.
Aside from the environmental benefits, the park's location is close to other Iberdrola assets in the state of Oregon, which is expected to generate significant synergies and reduction of operating costs.
In addition to Apple, Iberdrola already has other similar contracts in place with major multinationals interested in obtaining renewable energy in the long term.
Green energy and corporate commitments
The deal with Apple underscores the growing demand for green energy by large US multinationals. This is despite the relaxation of environmental regulations implemented by the Donald Trump administration, contrary to the more progressive policies of his predecessor, Barack Obama. Renewable energy remains a focus of interest in the business sector, especially among large technology companies such as Apple.
Iberdrola, through its subsidiary Avangrid, has signed numerous long-term agreements with multinationals such as Nike, Amazon and Google, among others, seeking to reduce their dependence on non-renewable energy sources. These agreements are known as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and provide companies with a regular supply of clean energy, ensuring the long-term profitability of the project.
For example, Nike has contracted 70 MW to supply its headquarters in Oregon with energy from wind farms such as Leaning Juniper, also in Oregon, and Jupiter Canyon, in Washington State.
Amazon has also signed a PPA with Avangrid to supply renewable energy through the Amazon Wind Farm US East, located in North Carolina, which is already in operation.
These agreements with multinationals have been essential to guarantee the profitability of Iberdrola's wind farms in the United States. They also provide financial stability to the company in a market as competitive as that of renewable energies.
Profitability and expansion
PPA contracts like those of Apple, Nike, and Amazon are essential to ensure the long-term profitability not only Iberdrola, but also the renewable energy sector in the United States. These long-term power purchase agreements allow large companies to guarantee a reliable and stable supply of green energy.
In particular, Avangrid contemplates an investment greater than the 10.000 million until 2020 in order to continue expanding its renewable energy production capacity in the United States. This investment marks Iberdrola's commitment to the development of sustainable projects at a global level.
avangrid
Avangrid Inc. was founded in 2015 following the merger of Iberdrola USA with UIL Holding. This company has become the listed subholding of Iberdrola in the United States, responsible for the development of all the energy operations of the parent company in the country.
With operations in 25 states, Avangrid operates in a variety of renewable energy-related areas, including electricity, natural gas and storage. One of its pillars has been the generation of electricity from renewable sources, making it a key player in the US energy transition.
This commitment to sustainability has led Avangrid to expand its operations in key territories, from New England to the West Coast. Its ability to attract investment and close deals with large multinationals reinforces its vision of becoming a leader in the renewable energy sector.
Through projects such as the Montague wind farm and other similar contracts, Iberdrola and its subsidiary Avangrid are not only strengthening their presence in the US market, but are also supporting the green commitments of companies such as Apple, Nike and Amazon, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future.