Iberdrola has received the final environmental approval from the Portuguese government for its 274MW wind farm project, marking a significant milestone for renewable energy development in Portugal. Situated in Vila Real and Braga, the project will become the country's largest “hybrid” clean energy initiative, leveraging the same grid connection as the Tâmega pumped storage hydro complex to maximize green energy production for homes and businesses.
The approval, known as DCAPE (‘Decisão da conformidade ambiental do projeto de execução' – Decision of Environmental Conformity of the Execution Project), was granted by the Portuguese Environment entity, APA (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente). This follows Iberdrola's receipt of a favorable Environmental Impact Statement in March 2023, ensuring compliance with all necessary conditions and measures.
Next in line for Iberdrola is the application for a production license from the Portuguese Directorate General of Energy and Geology, with plans to commence construction as early as 2025 upon securing all permits.
Hybrid generation plants like this wind farm and the Tâmega hydro project share infrastructure and grid connections, optimizing efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. The project will extend the existing substation, originally designed for the Tâmega complex, while utilizing land already designated for renewable energy to minimize development impacts.
Iberdrola is committed to implementing comprehensive measures to support local ecosystems, including habitat restoration and the establishment of ecological monitoring programs for avifauna, bats, wolves, flora, and habitats.
The Tâmega hydropower project, comprising the Alto Tâmega Hydroelectric Power Plant and the Gouvães Pumped Storage Plant operational since 2022, underscores Iberdrola's broader commitment to sustainable energy infrastructure in Portugal.
