Representatives of the companies that belong to the WINDBOX Association (Adwen, Antec, Erreka, Gamesa, Glual, Grupo Wec, Hine and LauLagun) presented the highlights and the current development status of the five test benches that are part of the project, which enable the integration and validation of subsystems for multi-megawatt wind turbines (more than 5 MW), and aim to improve the technological positioning and international competitiveness of the Basque subsystem and product supplier chain in the wind power sector, focusing especially on the offshore market.

Managing Director of the Basque Energy Cluster and Chairman of WINDBOX, José Ignacio Hormaeche, described the centre's background and creation process. This centre is sponsored by the Basque Government's Department for Economic Development and Competitiveness, SPRI and Gipuzkoa Provincial Council, and supported logistically by IK4-Tekniker, which operates the test benches and is the headquarters for four of them.

After the presentation there was a guided tour of the two test benches that are currently operational at the IK4-Tekniker facilities: hydraulic pitch and generator slip ring. The blade bearing test bench is currently being built and will be situated in an adjoining plot inside the Erisono Industrial Estate in Eibar, and the yaw bench is currently being designed. The tendering process for the fifth test bench will soon be opened. This bench will study the mechanical performance of bolted joints between the turbine's various components.

Anyone interested in conducting tests on components and subsystems for the offshore and onshore markets are welcome at WINDBOX to test and validate their products with state-of-the-art equipment and almost real operating conditions. If you are interested please get in contact with the Basque Energy Cluster at: mail@clusterenergia.com