EDP Renewables, a leading renewable energy company, has recently increased the capacity of its largest wind farm in Portugal, the Alta da Coutada wind farm. With the installation of six new turbines, the farm's capacity now stands at 187MW.
This expansion is expected to boost the wind farm's annual energy production by approximately 12%. The Alta da Coutada wind farm is situated in Serra da Padrela, spanning across the municipalities of Vila Pouca de Aguiar and Valpaços in the Vila Real district.
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Having commenced operations in 2010, the wind farm initially featured 72 turbines and an installed capacity of 165.6MW. With the addition of the six new turbines, the farm's capacity has been augmented by 21.6MW. EDP Renewables has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing the power output of operational wind farms, reflecting the company's pioneering role in renewable energy development in Portugal. With multiple projects in progress, EDP Renewables aims to play a significant role in the decarbonization efforts of the country.
Duarte Bello, Chief Operating Officer for Europe and Latin America at EDP Renewables, emphasized the significance of expanding existing wind farms, stating, “By installing more wind turbines, we are providing more clean energy to the grid in a faster way, without the complexities associated with developing new projects.” This strategic approach aligns with the company's goal of contributing to Portugal's decarbonization initiatives.
In late 2022, EDP Renewables implemented a similar expansion strategy at the Barão de São João Wind Farm in the Algarve, utilizing two of the largest and most powerful turbines on the Iberian Peninsula. This highlights the company's track record of expanding its wind farms and its ongoing commitment to increasing renewable energy capacity across operational projects.
In fact, EDP Renewables has successfully executed expansions in 11 wind farms throughout Portugal and intends to explore further opportunities to enhance its renewable energy portfolio.
Looking ahead, EDP Renewables is evaluating the potential for hybridization at the Alta da Coutada Wind Farm. The company is considering integrating photovoltaic generation into the existing infrastructure, similar to its successful integration at the Mosteiro wind farm in the Guarda district in late 2022. This forward-thinking approach showcases EDP Renewables' dedication to exploring innovative solutions to further advance renewable energy production in Portugal.
