Overview
Alto da Vaca is an operational onshore wind farm in Portugal with a capacity of 2.4 MW, contributing to the country's renewable energy portfolio under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Alto da Vaca is an onshore wind farm located in Portugal, with coordinates 41.6641° N, -8.0846° W. The facility has a capacity of 2.4 MW and is currently operational, playing a role in Portugal's growing renewable energy sector. The wind farm operates under Portugal's national framework aligned with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III (2023/2413), which sets a target of 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. Portugal has been a leader in wind energy, with onshore wind being a key technology due to favorable wind conditions and supportive feed-in tariffs. As a small-scale wind farm, Alto da Vaca contributes to local grid stability and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Its environmental significance includes avoiding greenhouse gas emissions, though like all wind farms, it requires careful siting to minimize visual and ecological impacts, such as bird and bat interactions.
Environmental context
The facility is situated in a region with moderate wind resources typical of northern Portugal. Onshore wind farms like Alto da Vaca can have visual impacts on the landscape and potential effects on local bird and bat populations. Proper siting and mitigation measures are essential to balance renewable energy generation with ecological preservation.
Frequently asked questions
Alto da Vaca is an onshore wind farm located in Portugal at coordinates 41.6641° N, -8.0846° W.
Alto da Vaca has a capacity of 2.4 MW, making it a small-scale wind farm.
Yes, Alto da Vaca is currently operational.
Wind farms in Portugal operate under national laws implementing the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, which targets 42.5% renewable energy by 2030, supported by feed-in tariffs and grid connection policies.
Onshore wind farms can impact landscapes and wildlife, particularly birds and bats. Mitigation measures include careful siting, environmental impact assessments, and operational adjustments to reduce risks.