Iberdrola Obtained Environmental Approval to Build Portugal’s Largest Wind Farm
June 22, 2024 – Iberdrola has obtained final environmental approval from the Portuguese government to build the country’s largest wind farm. The 274 MW wind farm will be constructed in the districts of Vila Real and Braga, utilizing the existing grid injection point at the Tâmega hydroelectric complex.
The project combines wind and hydro power, increasing the supply of clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This hybrid approach enables more stable and efficient renewable production, minimizing environmental impact. The wind farm will have a capacity equivalent to the consumption of 128,000 households, making it the largest hybridization project in Portugal.
Iberdrola will implement various environmental measures to protect ecosystems and fauna in the area. Ecological monitoring programs will be established to control potential impacts and define new measures. The company has already successfully implemented measures such as planting native species, forest management, and fauna-friendly initiatives in the surrounding forests.
The Tâmega hydroelectric project, which includes the wind farm, is one of Europe’s largest hydroelectric projects in the last 25 years. The complex consists of three power plants with a total installed capacity of 1,158 MW, generating enough energy to meet the needs of neighboring municipalities and cities. The project will eliminate 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 per year and create up to 3,500 direct jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs during the construction phase.
With an investment of over €1.5 billion, the Tâmega hydroelectric complex is one of the largest energy initiatives in Portugal’s history.
