Siemens Gamesa moves 72 metre blades through mountains as Basque wind construction returns

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Siemens Gamesa has delivered the first turbine components to Iberdrola’s Labraza wind farm in northern Spain, using specialised blade lifter technology to move 72 metre blades through the mountainous terrain of the Basque Country.

The delivery opens the construction phase for a project that will use Siemens Gamesa SG 5.0-145 turbines. It also marks the return of wind farm construction to the Basque Country after an absence of two decades.

For project logistics operators, the movement demonstrates how turbine dimensions are reshaping inland transport planning. A blade measuring 72 metres is longer than many commercial aircraft and leaves little room for error when passing through bends, gradients and restricted mountain roads.

The blades were transported with blade lifter technology, which allows their position and angle to be adjusted during the journey. This capability is particularly important on mountain routes where conventional horizontal transport may be constrained by tight corners, roadside obstacles or changes in elevation.

By lifting and rotating the blade, the transport team can reduce its effective turning radius and navigate sections that would otherwise require more extensive road modifications. The equipment does not remove every obstacle, but it gives route planners greater control over one of the most difficult cargo types handled by the wind energy supply chain.

The delivery required coordination between equipment operators, engineering teams and personnel responsible for road and site safety. Siemens Gamesa said the first components had arrived successfully, although it did not provide details about the transport distance, vehicle configuration or delivery schedule for the remaining equipment.

The wind farm is being developed by Iberdrola and will be equipped with the SG 5.0-145 turbine platform. The designation refers to a turbine in the 5 MW class with a rotor diameter of approximately 145 metres.

Labraza carries significance beyond its generating capacity because it represents the first new wind farm construction in the Basque Country for around 20 years. The arrival of the initial components therefore signals renewed demand for turbine transport, lifting services and specialised site logistics in the region.

Mountain wind developments can create a distinct logistics challenge. Ports and main roads may handle oversized components efficiently, but the final approach to the project site often becomes the critical stage. The question is not simply whether a blade can reach the region, but whether it can negotiate the final kilometres without compromising cargo integrity or public safety.

The Labraza movement shows how active blade positioning can extend the range of routes available for modern turbine components. Siemens Gamesa has not disclosed when all turbines will be installed or when the wind farm is expected to enter operation.