Spain
January 21, 2025

Spain is preparing to open a pioneering vertical-axis wind turbine factory

With components that last up to 70 years, these turbines are designed to operate at just 10 meters above ground and stand out for their efficiency and versatility for urban, rural, and coastal applications. Asturias would be the headquarters for this innovative project.
By Milena Giorgi

By Milena Giorgi

January 21, 2025

KLiUX Innovation & Manufacturing, the only manufacturer of vertical-axis wind turbines in Spain, is advancing in its ambitious plan to build a Centre of Excellence and Smart Factory in Asturias.

Until now, this technology has been produced almost artisanally in isolated units for special customers, but rumors are spreading, and interest in various global markets is growing, with the creators not intending to limit themselves.

This project, with an initial estimated investment of between 18.89 and 19.83 million euros, could mark a milestone in the mini-wind industry for distributed energy, as this segment is currently very small.

The Centre of Excellence, planned to cover an area of 20,000 m² with an additional 5,000 m² for logistics operations, will incorporate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, and lean manufacturing systems.

This approach aligns with the principles of Industry 4.0, prioritizing efficiency and sustainability in the production of up to 5,000 wind turbines annually.

Patent for vertical wind turbines

The technology of these turbines is designed to operate at a height of 10 meters, minimizing the landscape impact and facilitating their integration into urban, coastal, and rural environments.

With a generation capacity ranging from 0.5 to 10 kW per unit, these turbines are ideal for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Their components, made from high-strength polymers, ensure a lifespan of up to 70 years for the blades and 25 years for the entire turbine.

One of the standout features is their dual-layer epoxy zinc paint, which, along with a hot-dip galvanizing system, provides resistance for up to 1,400 hours in saline environments, far superior to the 400-500 hours offered by traditional coatings.

This advanced coating not only protects the ferrous components from corrosion caused by exposure to saline air but also ensures a long lifespan even in the most extreme conditions, such as coastal areas with high humidity or offshore platforms.

“Our model combines the principles of lift and aerodynamic drag, optimizing energy capture even in low winds, something impossible for traditional technologies,” explains Iñaki Eguizábal, President and CEO of the company.

In an interview with Energía Estratégica España, the company’s leader describes that, unlike horizontal axis models, the vertical ones incorporate automatic aerodynamic brake systems and operate without the need for orientation mechanisms.

These turbines operate with multidirectional winds and stand out for their low noise level, reaching 32 decibels with winds of 6 m/s at 10 meters.

Another key innovation is the use of microplanetary transmission boxes, similar to those used in large wind turbines but miniaturized.

These gearboxes allow the generator’s rotational speed to be increased by 10 to 20 times compared to the rotor, maximizing energy efficiency.

“Each component of our turbines has been designed with a focus on durability and performance, from the composite material blades to the bidirectional energy management systems that allow the energy generated to be stored or consumed,” adds Eguizábal.

Scalability

KLiUX’s CEO emphasizes that, to compete with more mature technologies like photovoltaic solar, it is essential to scale production and reduce costs through economies of scale.

The strategy includes the creation of “wind forests,” small distributed turbine installations that optimize generation in areas where large turbines are not viable.

“We’ve designed a model that allows each unit to be assembled in just four hours, simplifying processes and minimizing manufacturing costs,” he explains, adding that capacities of up to 1 MW can be reached without the logistical challenges of traditional turbines.

Manufacturing in Spain

Although mini wind energy is recognized as a strategic part of renewable development, it is not as well supported or promoted as solar self-consumption. Therefore, the challenges might be a bit more complex.

According to Eguizábal, being an entrepreneur in Spain is “difficult for everyone” due to high costs, strict regulations, and intense international competition, especially from markets like Asia.

However, these challenges have led to the development of an approach based on resilience and innovation, with a strong commitment to sustainability and technological quality.

“Each unit we install changes the environment where it is located forever, creating a positive impact on society,” says the executive, emphasizing that manufacturing in Spain is not only a challenging task but also a significant contribution to the advancement of renewable energy worldwide.

The construction of the Smart Factory will have a transformative impact on the local community, generating between 60 and 130 direct jobs, including engineers, technicians, and highly skilled workers.

This project will stimulate the regional economy by boosting a local supply chain, attracting specialized suppliers, and fostering investment in technology and innovation.

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