Guilhofrei Hydroelectric Power Plant, Portugal | 4 MW Facility

Guilhofrei is a hydroelectric power plant located in Portugal, with a capacity of 4 MW. The facility is operational and utilizes hydropower as its primary fuel source, aligning with Portugal's focus on renewable energy generation. Its exact location is at latitude 41.581100 and longitude -8.142800, though the specific city or region is not detailed. Hydroelectric plants in Portugal typically operate under the national regulatory framework, which includes compliance with EU directives such as the Industrial Emissions Directive and the Water Framework Directive. The plant's small-scale capacity suggests it may serve local grid needs or feed into the national grid, contributing to Portugal's goal of increasing renewable energy penetration. The environmental significance of Guilhofrei lies in its use of hydropower, a low-carbon energy source. However, hydroelectric facilities can impact local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The plant's small size likely minimizes these effects, and it operates within Portugal's environmental standards for water management and biodiversity protection.

As a hydroelectric plant, Guilhofrei generates electricity with minimal direct CO2 emissions, but its operation can affect local water ecosystems through altered flow patterns and potential impacts on aquatic life. The facility's small capacity (4 MW) suggests a relatively low environmental footprint compared to larger dams. Portugal's regulatory framework, including the Water Framework Directive, governs such impacts to ensure sustainable water use.