This European country is about to build its largest ever wind farm

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🗞️ Driving the news: Portugal's largest wind farm, part of the Tâmega hydropower complex, is set to begin construction early next year
• This project, led by renewable energy company Iberdrola, has received final environmental approval and aims to start work in early 2025
• The wind farm will have a capacity of 274 MW, sufficient to power 128,000 homes annually

🔭 The context: The Tâmega hydropower complex is one of Europe's largest hydroelectric projects, comprising three plants with a combined capacity to produce 1,766 GWh annually
• The new wind farm will utilize the existing grid connections and infrastructure of the Tâmega complex, optimizing electric infrastructure and minimizing environmental impact
• Iberdrola plans to implement measures to support local ecosystems, including planting native species and installing nest boxes for bats

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The integration of wind power with hydropower in the Tâmega complex exemplifies a hybrid approach to renewable energy, maximizing output and reducing reliance on fossil fuels
• This project will help Portugal reduce CO2 emissions by 1.2 million tons annually and decrease oil imports by over 160,000 tons per year, significantly contributing to the country's sustainability goals

⏭️ What's next: Iberdrola will seek a production license from the Portuguese Directorate General of Energy and Geology before beginning construction
• The project will continue to focus on environmental sustainability through ecosystem support and monitoring programs for wildlife and natural habitats
• The successful implementation of this project could serve as a model for other renewable energy initiatives globally

💬 One quote: “The two technologies will complement each other to maximise output and production, optimising the electric infrastructure,” Iberdrola stated

📈 One stat: The Tâmega complex has a storage capacity of 40 million kWh, enough to power 11 million people for 24 hours

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