This is the first South American order for this turbine. The turbines are slated for delivery in the second quarter of 2018, while the facility is scheduled for commissioning between the last quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019.

Incorporation of local suppliers
The project falls under the scope of the RenovAr 1.5 project launched by the Argentine government in 2016 to foster investment in the renewable energy sector. The country has set itself the target of meeting 8% of demand for electricity from renewable sources in 2017 and 20% by 2025. Juan Fernando Carbel, CEO of the Arauco SAPEM wind complex, underlined the effort being made by Siemens Gamesa to incorporate local suppliers into its supply contracts. By combining Spanish nacelles with locally-made towers - a part that constitutes a substantial portion of the turbines -, the domestic Argentine industry is being drawn into this important endeavour, creating manufacturing jobs in the country.

He also noted that as well as reinforcing its relationship with local suppliers, Siemens Gamesa has developed new suppliers in order to comply with the rules governing the agreements entered into with the Rioja-based firm, Parque Eólico Arauco, and its special-purpose companies.

Text: Siemens Gamesa