Iberdrola has received the production license from Portugal’s Directorate General for Energy and Geology, marking a significant milestone in the development of the country’s largest wind farm. Located in the Vila Real and Braga districts in northern Portugal, the project represents an investment of nearly €350 million and reflects Iberdrola’s dedication to environmental sustainability. Notably, this innovative project will be the first in Portugal to integrate wind and hydroelectric power, sharing connection points and infrastructure to minimize environmental impact.
A Landmark Renewable Energy Initiative
With a total installed capacity of 274 MW, the wind farm will generate 601 GWh of electricity annually—enough to power 128,000 households. Integrated into the Tâmega Power Plant System, the project will include the Tâmega Norte and Tâmega Sul wind farms and leverage existing infrastructure at Ribeira de Pena. A long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) will ensure a steady supply of clean energy, further strengthening Portugal’s renewable energy sector.
Boosting Green Energy and Reducing Emissions
The project will rely on existing infrastructure within the Tâmega Complex, including roads and facilities, to significantly reduce its environmental footprint. Combined with hydroelectric facilities, this hybrid system will provide stable, low-cost, and sustainable energy to the Portuguese grid. The initiative will help avoid 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to removing 260,000 fossil fuel-powered vehicles from the roads. It will also reduce the country’s reliance on imported oil by more than 160,000 tonnes per year.
Economic and Employment Benefits
During peak construction, the wind farm will create approximately 700 jobs in civil engineering, wind turbine assembly, and related infrastructure. By prioritizing local suppliers, such as CJR, Conduril-Socorpena, Painhas, and Proef, the project will further stimulate the local economy. Iberdrola’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy has already led to over €2 billion in investments in Portugal over the past two decades.
Alejandra Reyna, Director of Iberdrola Renovables Portugal, highlighted the importance of this development:
“This project demonstrates Iberdrola’s commitment to accelerating Portugal’s energy transition while fostering innovation and sustainability. By integrating wind and hydro power, we’re ensuring a more reliable and affordable green energy future.”
State-of-the-Art Technology
The wind farm will feature 38 Vestas Enventus V172 turbines, each with a capacity of 7.2 MW and a height of 114 meters. The hybrid design will optimize energy production by alternating between wind and hydro technologies, reducing dependency on intermittent conditions and enhancing grid stability.
Innovative Environmental Protections
To safeguard local ecosystems, Iberdrola will implement continuous environmental monitoring throughout construction. This includes measures to protect bird species, native flora, habitats, and archaeological sites. The findings will help identify solutions to mitigate environmental impacts while enriching understanding of local biodiversity.
The Tâmega Power Plant System
The Tâmega Power Plant System is one of Europe’s largest hydroelectric projects in the last 25 years, with an investment exceeding €1.5 billion. It comprises three power plants—Alto Tâmega (160 MW), Gouvães Pumped Storage (880 MW), and Daivões (118 MW)—with a total installed capacity of 1,158 MW. Together, these plants generate 1,766 GWh of electricity annually, meeting the energy needs of 440,000 households in nearby municipalities.
By integrating wind and hydro power, the Tâmega Complex will diversify Portugal’s energy sources, reduce CO2 emissions, and boost energy independence. The project is also a major economic driver, creating 3,500 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs during construction, with significant participation from local communities and suppliers.
This transformative initiative underscores Iberdrola’s leadership in renewable energy and its commitment to fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for Portugal.
