Iberdrola Secures License for Portugal’s Largest Wind Farm with Hybrid Energy Innovation

Iberdrola has obtained a production license from Portugal's Directorate General for Energy and Geology, marking a critical step toward constructing the country's largest wind farm. Located in the northern districts of Vila Real and Braga, this €350 million project will uniquely integrate wind power with hydropower, underscoring Iberdrola’s commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation.

Hybrid Energy Integration: A Game-Changer

This groundbreaking project, part of the Tâmega Power Plant System, will combine 274 MW of wind power capacity with hydroelectric infrastructure, creating a hybrid system. By sharing the connection point and electricity evacuation line, the project maximizes efficiency and minimizes environmental impact. The innovative design incorporates an extension to an existing substation in Ribeira de Pena, reducing the need for additional land and resources.

The project is set to produce 601 GWh annually, enough to power 128,000 households, while significantly cutting CO2 emissions. This hybrid model mitigates renewable energy intermittency by leveraging the strengths of both wind and hydro technologies.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

• Job Creation: At peak construction, the project will generate approximately 700 jobs across civil engineering, turbine assembly, and transmission line development.

• Energy Independence: By expanding green energy output, the wind farm will bolster Portugal’s energy independence and support its National Energy and Climate Plan objectives.

• Sustainable Development: The project uses existing infrastructure within the Tâmega Complex, minimizing its environmental footprint.

  
  

Advanced Technology and Local Collaboration

The wind farm will feature 38 Vestas Enventus V172 turbines, each with a 7.2 MW capacity and standing 114 meters tall. This cutting-edge technology promises efficient energy generation while stabilizing output despite environmental fluctuations.

In a nod to local economic growth, Iberdrola has partnered with Portuguese companies such as CJR, Conduril-Socorpena, Painhas, and Proef for infrastructure development. Construction of substations and lines is expected to commence in early 2025.

A Commitment to Portugal’s Energy Transition

Alejandra Reyna, Director of Iberdrola Renovables Portugal, emphasized the company's dedication to sustainable electrification, stating:

"We’ve taken an important step toward building Portugal’s largest wind farm and first hybrid project combining wind and hydro power. This demonstrates Iberdrola's commitment to promoting the energy transition and building a sustainable, reliable, and affordable future."

Shaping Portugal’s Green Future

By integrating wind and hydroelectric power, Iberdrola’s project will provide reliable and competitive renewable energy to Portugal’s electricity grid. This initiative cements Iberdrola’s role as a leader in the country’s green transition, following its €2 billion renewable energy investments over the past two decades.