Iberdrola, a leading renewable energy company, has received approval to build Portugal’s largest wind farm, integrating wind and hydro power. The project, located in Vila Real and Braga districts in northern Portugal, is a significant step in Iberdrola’s commitment to sustainability.
The total investment for the wind farm is close to 350 million euros, marking an important milestone in the company’s efforts to promote green energy.
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Combining Wind and Hydro Power for Efficiency
The new wind farm will have an installed capacity of 274 MW and produce 601 GWh of energy per year. This is enough to power 128,000 households. What makes this project unique is the integration of wind power with hydroelectric energy.
Iberdrola plans to share a connection point and electricity evacuation line with the nearby Tâmega Power Plant System. This collaboration will increase efficiency and reduce infrastructure costs.
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A Commitment to Clean and Green Energy
Iberdrola’s new project is part of a larger strategy to provide clean, low-cost, and competitive energy to Portugal’s electricity grid. The inclusion of wind energy in the Tâmega Complex will help reduce CO2 emissions. It will also strengthen energy independence by boosting renewable energy production.
The Tâmega Norte and Tâmega Sul wind farms are crucial parts of this strategy, as they will produce 100% green energy. This aligns with the company’s commitment to fighting climate change while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
Job Creation and Local Impact
The construction of the Tâmega wind farm will create up to 700 jobs in areas like civil engineering, wind turbine assembly, and substation development. The project will also support Portugal’s National Energy and Climate Plan by enhancing local economic activity and energy security.
Iberdrola will work with local suppliers like CJR and Conduril-Socorpena for the basic structure. Painhas and Proefwill build the substation and transmission lines, set to start in early 2025.
Focus on Environmental Sustainability
Sustainability is a top priority for Iberdrola. The company will implement continuous environmental monitoring to protect local biodiversity during the project’s construction. This includes tracking the impact on flora, birds, and habitats, ensuring the project minimizes any negative effects on the local environment.
Positive Impact on Portugal’s Energy System
This project is part of the broader Tâmega Power Plant System, one of Europe’s most important hydroelectric projects in the last 25 years. With an installed capacity of 1,158 MW, the system can produce 1,766 GWh of energy each year, meeting the needs of over 440,000 households.
The Tâmega Complex will eliminate 1.2 million tons of CO2 per year, equivalent to taking 260,000 vehicles off the road. This will help Portugal achieve its climate goals and further reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
