Iberdrola Begins Assembly of Portugal’s Largest Wind Farm, Powering 128,000 Homes
Iberdrola has officially begun assembling the wind turbines for Portugal’s largest wind farm, the Tâmega Wind Farm, marking a major milestone in the country’s renewable energy landscape. With a total installed capacity of 274 MW, the project will feature 38 state-of-the-art Vestas EnVentus V172 wind turbines, each delivering 7.2 MW of power. These turbines are currently among the largest and most powerful onshore wind turbines available in the global market, combining advanced technology with high efficiency.
The Tâmega Wind Farm represents a strategic investment of approximately €350 million, with an expected annual electricity production of 601 GWh. This output is sufficient to meet the electricity needs of roughly 128,000 households—comparable to the population of the Spanish city of Valladolid. Beyond generating clean energy, the project is anticipated to prevent more than 230,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, contributing significantly to Portugal’s climate goals and energy transition.
One of the most innovative aspects of the Tâmega Wind Farm is its hybrid approach, combining wind and hydroelectric power through a shared connection infrastructure. This integration reduces costs associated with grid connections, accelerates renewable energy integration, and minimizes environmental impacts. The wind farm will be connected to the Tâmega Electroproducer System substation, reinforcing its role as a key anchor for Portugal’s ongoing electrification efforts and national energy independence.
The project encompasses two main sites—Tâmega Norte and Tâmega Sur—and is being developed as part of a strategic partnership with the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund, managed by Norges Bank Investment Management. The arrangement also includes a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), ensuring the stable supply of electricity to meet long-term demand.
Advanced Turbine Technology and Strategic Location
Strategically situated between Braga and Vila Real, the Tâmega Wind Farm will employ 38 Vestas EnVentus V172 turbines. These turbines are engineered for optimal performance, featuring 85-metre-long blades and tower heights of 114 metres. Each turbine’s capacity of 7.2 MW positions them as among the most powerful onshore wind turbines worldwide. Once operational, the wind farm is expected to generate 601 GWh annually, significantly boosting Portugal’s renewable energy output.
The construction and assembly of the turbines also create substantial economic benefits. At the peak of construction, the project will provide approximately 700 direct jobs. In addition, multiple Portuguese companies—including CJR, Conduril, Socorpena, Painhas, and Proef—are involved in various aspects of the project. Components are being sourced from several European countries, highlighting Iberdrola’s commitment to fostering European industry and collaborative innovation.
Construction is scheduled to continue until the third quarter of 2026, with all turbine components expected to arrive at the site before the end of the first quarter of the same year.
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Measures
Iberdrola places environmental protection at the forefront of the Tâmega Wind Farm project. Dedicated teams of biologists and archaeologists are actively monitoring construction activities to ensure that best practices are applied, minimizing the impact on local ecosystems. Continuous monitoring will cover local flora and fauna, including birds, bats, mammals, and sensitive habitats, allowing for adaptive measures to protect biodiversity and enhance scientific understanding of the region.
Compensatory measures will also be implemented to improve habitats affected during construction. Upon completion, a comprehensive Landscape Recovery Plan will ensure the project integrates seamlessly into the surrounding environment. Iberdrola is also committed to minimizing social disruption through transparency, community engagement, and ongoing dialogue with local populations.
Transporting 85-Metre Blades: A European First
Transporting the wind turbine blades, each measuring 85 metres, poses a significant logistical challenge. Over 110 blades will depart from the port of Aveiro and are transported using an innovative blade lift system—the first of its kind in Europe. This pioneering technology allows blades to be rotated vertically or horizontally via a hydraulic mechanism that can reach inclinations of up to 60°, enabling them to navigate sharp bends, slopes, and other obstacles safely.
This approach not only ensures the safe delivery of large components but also minimizes environmental disruption by avoiding alterations to existing road layouts. The technology represents a notable advancement in renewable energy logistics and demonstrates Iberdrola’s focus on innovative, sustainable solutions.
Reinforcing Iberdrola’s Leadership in Renewable Energy
The Tâmega Wind Farm solidifies Iberdrola’s position as the largest investor in renewable energy in Portugal over the past decade. The company has invested more than €2.2 billion in the country, with over 1,400 MW of installed renewable capacity. Globally, Iberdrola is now the largest electricity company in Europe and the second largest in the world by market capitalization, playing a central role in the energy transition.
By combining cutting-edge wind technology with innovative hybrid grid integration and a strong commitment to sustainability, the Tâmega Wind Farm sets a new benchmark for renewable energy projects in Portugal and across Europe. It not only advances the country’s decarbonization goals but also contributes to economic growth, local employment, and technological innovation in the renewable energy sector.
With the assembly of the wind turbines underway, Iberdrola is poised to deliver a transformative project that will provide clean, reliable energy for hundreds of thousands of homes, strengthen Portugal’s energy independence, and underscore its commitment to a sustainable energy future.
Source Link: https://www.iberdrola.com/
