Overview
Vale de Estrela is an operational onshore wind farm in Portugal with a capacity of 25.3 MW, contributing to the country's renewable energy portfolio.
Vale de Estrela is an onshore wind farm located in Portugal, with coordinates 40.4909° N, -7.2906° W. The facility has an installed capacity of 25.3 MW, placing it in the small-to-medium scale range for wind farms in the region. It is currently operational and generates electricity from wind power. The wind farm utilizes modern wind turbine technology to convert wind energy into electricity. Portugal has a strong regulatory framework supporting renewable energy, including national targets aligned with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, which aims for 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. The country benefits from favorable wind conditions, particularly in inland and coastal areas. Vale de Estrela contributes to Portugal's grid stability and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. As part of the country's growing wind energy capacity, it supports local energy independence and helps meet EU climate goals. The facility's operation aligns with Portugal's commitment to decarbonization and sustainable energy production.
Environmental context
The wind farm is situated in a region with moderate wind resources, typical for inland Portugal. Onshore wind farms like Vale de Estrela can have visual impacts on the landscape and may affect local bird and bat populations. However, Portugal's environmental regulations require impact assessments and mitigation measures to minimize ecological disruption. The facility's relatively modest scale reduces its overall environmental footprint.
Frequently asked questions
Vale de Estrela is an onshore wind farm located in Portugal, at coordinates 40.4909° N, -7.2906° W.
Vale de Estrela has an installed capacity of 25.3 MW, making it a small-to-medium scale wind farm.
Yes, Vale de Estrela is currently operational and generating electricity from wind power.
Portugal follows the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, which sets a target of 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. The country also has national feed-in tariffs and grid connection policies to support wind energy development.
Onshore wind farms in Portugal must undergo environmental impact assessments to address visual impacts, bird and bat collisions, and land use. Mitigation measures are often required to minimize ecological effects.