Santander signs up Gamesa for 500MW

MEXICO: Spanish banking group Santander has signed up Gamesa to jointly develop 500MW in Mexico.

The contract has been negotiated under the Open Season II framework. The projects, which will be located in Oaxaca, will be developed over the next three years.

Gamesa has installed around 1GW in Mexico. The latest buyers including Renovalia, which ordered 138MW, again for the Oaxaca region.

The Spanish munufacturer, is also working with the University of Istmo, in Oaxaca state. Last year it signed an agreement to provide a wind turbine operation and maintenance course.

Mexico's current energy liberalisation reform is expected to spur a leap for wind power, with at least 1.5GW of new capacity expected annually to 2020, according to energy minister Pedro Joaquin Coldwell.