The Tâmega Wind Farm, set to become Portugal’s largest wind energy project, boasts a capacity of 274 MW with 38 wind turbines, each rated at 7.2 MW, the most powerful in the global onshore wind market. With an investment of approximately €350 million, the farm is expected to produce 601 GWh annually, sufficient to power 128,000 households, equivalent to the energy consumption of a city like Valladolid in Spain. This initiative will also prevent the emission of over 230,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year, marking a significant step toward Portugal’s energy independence and its National Energy and Climate Plan objectives.
Hybrid Innovation and Integration
The Tâmega Wind Farm is pioneering as the first project to integrate hybrid wind and hydroelectric power, sharing the same grid connection infrastructure. This innovative approach reduces costs, accelerates renewable energy integration, and minimizes environmental impact. It also strengthens the Tâmega Electroproducer System’s role as a cornerstone of Portugal’s electrification efforts. The project is part of an agreement with Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, managed by Norges Bank Investment Management, and includes a long term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Technical Specifications and Economic Impact
Located between Braga and Vila Real, the farm will feature 38 Vestas EnVentus V172 turbines, equipped with 85-meter blades and standing 114 meters tall. These turbines, developed by Vestas, represent the pinnacle of onshore wind technology. Beyond its environmental benefits, the project will create 700 direct jobs during peak construction and involve Portuguese companies such as CJR, Conduril, Socorpena, Painhas, and Proef. Components are manufactured across Europe, underscoring a commitment to European industry and collaborative innovation. Construction is set to continue until the third quarter of 2026, with all turbine materials transported by the end of the first quarter.
Environmental Commitment
Environmental protection is a top priority for Iberdrola during the construction of the Tâmega Wind Farm. Permanent environmental monitoring by teams of biologists and archaeologists ensures adherence to best practices and minimizes ecological disruption. Continuous biodiversity monitoring focusing on birds, bats, mammals, flora, and habitats will inform additional measures and enhance scientific understanding of the region. Compensatory actions will improve habitats, and a Landscape Recovery Plan will ensure seamless integration of the project into the local landscape. Iberdrola also emphasizes transparency and dialogue with local communities to minimize social disruption.
Innovative Transportation Solutions
Transporting the 85-meter blades presents a logistical challenge. Over 110 blades will depart from the port of Aveiro, with the final phase of transport utilizing a groundbreaking blade lift system, a first in Europe. This hydraulic mechanism allows blades to rotate vertically or horizontally, navigating sharp bends, slopes, and obstacles while adapting to existing roads. This solution reduces environmental impact by avoiding road modifications and ensures safe transportation.
Iberdrola’s Leadership in Renewables
The Tâmega Wind Farm reinforces Iberdrola’s position as Portugal’s leading renewable energy investor, with over €2.2 billion invested and more than 1,400 MW installed over the past decade. As Europe’s largest electricity company and the second largest globally by market capitalization, Iberdrola continues to play a central role in advancing electrification and sustainable energy solutions.
Source: Iberdrola
