Wind energy accounts for twice as many jobs in the Basque Country as coal does in Spain as a whole

The data was provided by the Basque Energy Board (EVE), which is finalizing preparations for the major European wind energy event of this first semester—WindEurope—taking place in Bilbao during the first week of April. “The Basque wind sector,” explain representatives from the EVE, “accounts for 4,000 jobs and a business volume of 15.7 million euros“ (coal mining employed 1,590 people in Spain as of February 2019, according to the State Secretariat for Social Security, under the Ministry of Labor).

The WindEurope Event in Bilbao

The organization representing the European wind industry—WindEurope—is holding its major annual event in Bilbao. It chose the city on the Nervión River because it considers the Basque Country a “fantastic example of how the wind industry supports local jobs, investment, and growth.”

• Exhibition Scope: The major sector fair expects 300 exhibiting companies arriving from around 50 countries.
• Basque Representation: 18 companies will have their own exhibition space, while another 37 companies will form part of the Euskadi-Basque Country zone, coordinated by the EVE, occupying 800 square meters in Hall 1 of the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (the venue hosting WindEurope 2019).

Key Attractions at the EVE Space

Interactive Audiovisual Tool: Showcases the potential of the Biscay Marine Energy Platform (BiMEP)—a real-sea testing infrastructure for researching, demonstrating, and exploiting marine energy and offshore wind devices, featuring two areas located in Mutriku and Armintza.

Television Studio: A dedicated space for conducting interviews with various entities and companies.

Networking Receptions: Held every midday on April 2, 3, and 4 in the Euskadi-Basque Country zone, offering visiting companies and organizations a chance to connect while experiencing Basque gastronomy and culture.

Participating Companies

1. Companies in the Euskadi-Basque Country Zone (along with the EVE and the Energy Cluster)

Hine, Antec, Protecttion, Hws Towers, Incomimex, Erreka, Alerion, Gureak Energy, Glualeuskal Forging, Laulagun Bearings, Haizea Wind, Supra Systems, Intza, Trafag, Kimua Group, Mugape, Ikerlan, Tecnalia, Galea, Aeroblade, Maxwind Technology, Jaure, Upv/Ehu, Nautilus, Navacel, Vicinay Marine, Uniport, Ormazabal, Saitec Offshore, Foro Marítimo Vasco, Autoridad Portuaria Bilbao, Egamaster, Xubi-Renogear Eickhoff (Xubi), Industrias Ferri, Analisis y Simulación (AyS)

2. Companies with Their Own Exhibition Space

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Iberdrola, Roxtec, GES-Global Energy Service, Industrial Barranquesa, Jatorman, Murrplastik, Predycsa, NEM Solutions, Goimek, Fosroc Euco, Lancor, Ingeteam/Indar, Slingsintt, Tamoin, Atten2 Advanced Monitoring Technologies, Virlab Vibration and Shock Testing Laboratory.