In December 2010, there was 3,937 MW of wind power nameplate capacity installed in (Mainland, excluding Madeira and Azores) Portugal. The major wind turbine manufacturers in the Portuguese market are Enercon, Vestas and Gamesa.[1] In 2010, Portugal generated 9.024 TWh of wind energy, or 17% of its total production,[2] putting it above Spain and only behind Denmark, as the second highest wind power mix contribution in the World.[3] The largest owners of wind farms (in December 2009) are Iberwind (19.8%), Enernova (EDP Renováveis) (16.3%), Generg (13.1%) and EEVM (8.7%). The record for highest instantaneous weight of wind energy was achieved in 31 October 2010 02:15 AM, reaching 75% of total consumption. The highest daily contribution of wind energy was attained in the same day at 61%.[2] The record of wind power generation utilization was achieved on October 8, 2010 at 15:15 with 3235 MW.
[edit] Regional trends
Most of the Portuguese wind capacity is located in the north-northeast distritos. Viseu is the distrito with the largest installed capacity, followed by Castelo Branco, Viana do Castelo and Coimbra.
[edit] Major wind farms
The 240 MW Alto Minho Wind Farm in the Viana do Castelo district became fully operational in November, 2008 when Portugal's Economy Minister Manuel Pinho inaugurated it.[7] At the time of completion it was Europe's largest on-shore wind farm.[8] The wind farm began generating electricity in 2007, with production increasing as more wind turbines came online, reflecting the modular nature of wind farms. The wind farm consists of 68 Enercon E-82 2MW wind turbines and 52 Enercon E-70 E4 2MW turbines, totaling 136 MW and 104 MW, respectively.[9] The wind farm will produce 530 GWh annually, avoiding 370,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.[7]
Other major wind farms which are operating, or under construction, include: Arada-Montemuro Wind Farm (112 MW), Gardunha Wind Farm (106 MW), Pinhal Interior Wind Farm (144 MW), Ventominho Wind Farm (240 MW).
Other wind farms include: Pampilhosa Wind Farm which has a nameplate capacity of 81 MW and uses Vestas V90 turbines; Caramulo Wind Farm with a capacity of 84 MW, using Enercon E-70 E4 turbines; and Caneeiros Wind Farm with a capacity of 78 MW, using Vestas V90 turbines.[9]
[edit] Under construction
Major wind farms which are under construction include is the 112 MW Arada-Montemuro Wind Farm, in the Viseu district, which will use Enercon E-82 turbines.[9]
[edit] External links
[edit] See also
[edit] References
