A heavy load: Pedro Gonçalves transports the blades for wind turbines

– Pedro Gonçalves, driver for Saavedra

Daimiel, 7.00 a.m. Pedro Gonçalves manoeuvres his Actros 3363 in to the premises of a multinational manufacturer of wind farms. The Actros is pulling an extendible platform that is 50 metres long. “Every route is a new adventure,” says Pedro with a wide grin. He greets the workers. They are in the middle of preparing what will soon be Pedro's load for a whole 24 hours: a 62-metre long wind rotor blade.

Huge and still easily damaged.

The white wind rotor blade with its aerodynamic design is an exceptional product. Pedro knows: absolutely nothing can happen to it. Even the smallest damage or scratch could have an impact on the so-called angle of attack which varies depending on wind speed and rotational speed.

The grand length of 62 metres doesn't intimidate Pedro – he once transported 75-metre long rotor blades. He has been working for the Saavedra Group for eleven years now. He knows every one of his routes in detail: bridges, tunnel, roundabouts. And he always has the help of Pedro Bernardo, the driver of the escort vehicle which accompanies him on every single route. “We drive in sync and know the procedures off by heart,” says Pedro Bernardo.

A journey of more than 300 kilometres.

As soon as the giant rotor blade is loaded, Pedro starts his journey. In the meantime it is 8.00 a.m. The destination? The port of Motril (Granada), 325 kilometres away. Maximum speed? 60 kilometres an hour. In addition to the escort vehicle, up to six teams from the Guardia Civil will take turns accompanying the truck to the end of the route.

260 kilometres later, on the A-7 shortly before reaching Motril, Pedro is driving with the sun behind him. The motorway descends gently towards the sea. On his right-hand side, a wind farm silently generates renewable energy. “Driving down this road as the sun goes down, is really something special,” he says.

The last few kilometres are the most exciting.

At kilometre 336 of the A-7 the convoy exits to take the road to the port. They have to drive around two roundabouts with the greatest accuracy. When the truck enters the outskirts of Motril, the two vehicles from the Guardia Civil are replaced by motorcycles. The last junction before reaching the port is very difficult. Pedro Bernardo climbs out of the escort vehicle in order to guide his namesake more precisely whilst he manoeuvres. “Turn to the five-to-twelve position,” he says into the radio. “Roger,” Pedro confirms from the cab. In less than five minutes the team has mastered the last obstacle before reaching the port of Motril. As the last rays of light disappear, the convoy parks at the port. The vehicles and their load will stay there overnight, while the two Pedros enjoy a well-earned break.

Pedro and Pedro: an experienced team.

The next morning both are ready for work at 8.00 a.m. at the port: the sky and sea are sporting their loveliest blue, while a gentle, salty breeze blows. “We know everyone at the port and the working atmosphere is very good. We always take the time for a chat, to tell a few anecdotes about the trip and to relax,” says Pedro.

It is time to unload the rotor blade in the intended storage area at the port. Once again Bernardo guides his colleague Gonçalves: “We know the process, but we're still always very alert and careful,” they explain. Gigantic cranes will load the blades onto the ships that will take them to their destination: Brazil, Argentina, the United States or Mexico – countries in which the demand for wind power stations is continuously increasing. “There is no stopping the development of renewable energy,” Pedro confirms. “No one doubts any more that environmental conservation is not an option but an obligation.”

Photos: Begoña Tremps