The full interview was initially published in Spanish in the magazine Energías Renovables in March 2024
Rafael Zubiaur founded Barlovento Recursos Naturales in 1998, a global wind consulting company specialized in technical advisory, technical due diligence, wind engineering, wind turbine laboratory testing, and wind resource assessments, among other high-value-added services, including specific solutions for offshore wind projects.
Today, Barlovento Applus+ is a fast-growing company that operates in more than 50 countries, especially in Latin America and Europe, and manages more than 2,400 wind measurement stations around the globe, including different remote sensing devices and technologies.
Rafael emphasizes the crucial role of renewable energy against climate change, as well as his passion for his job and the evolution of the wind market.
Understanding wind testing as a critical activity for Barlovento Applus+ and its internationalisation, the company has invested in technologies and laboratories to guarantee the best technical advisory and accuracy in wind power curve testing, mechanical loads, or acoustic noise measurements. Barlovento Applus+ is a member of Measnet, an International Network of Wind Energy Measurement Institutes.
Barlovento Applus+ has also been involved in finding the best solutions for the integration of renewable energy into the electrical grid. In this regard, the company set up an accredited laboratory that conducts electrical tests, including wind turbine energy quality, voltage dips, or numerical modeling, continuously evolving to meet client needs and grid code standards.
The company also launched a mini-wind turbine testing laboratory in 2014, conducting accredited tests on small wind turbines for performance, noise, durability, safety, and functionality. Although the viability of mini-wind turbines remains uncertain, Barlovento Applus+ utilized the laboratory for internal development activities, acquiring valuable knowledge applicable to other wind services.
For more information, read the full article on Energías Renovables magazine.
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