Pico da Urze Onshore Wind Farm, Portugal | Renewable Energy Facility

Pico da Urze is an onshore wind farm located in Portugal, specifically at coordinates 38.609200, -27.943900. With a capacity of 1.8 MW, it is a small-scale wind facility that supports Portugal's transition to renewable energy. The plant is operational and uses wind as its primary fuel source. Portugal has a strong regulatory framework for renewable energy, aligned with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, which sets a target of 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. The country also benefits from feed-in tariffs and grid connection regimes that encourage wind energy development. Pico da Urze operates within this supportive policy environment, contributing to the national goal of increasing renewable capacity. The environmental significance of Pico da Urze lies in its role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity generation. Wind farms like this one also help diversify Portugal's energy mix, enhancing energy security. While onshore wind can have visual and land-use impacts, the small scale of this facility minimizes such effects.

Portugal's wind energy sector operates in a context of varied landscapes, from coastal areas to mountainous regions. Wind farms can impact local bird and bat populations, but proper siting and mitigation measures are typically required. The country's renewable energy policies aim to balance development with environmental protection, ensuring that projects like Pico da Urze contribute to sustainability goals.