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Wind Energy in Portugal

2021 wind energy numbers

In 2021 a total of 126 MW was installed in Portugal through two new wind farms and overplanting capacity procedures. By the end of 2021, 5,628 MW was operating in the country, corresponding to 37% of the national total renewable operational capacity.

The wind-based electrical energy in 2021 was 13.27 TWh, meeting 26% of the country’s electricity demand.

Renewable electricity production in 2021 reached 65% of the national consumption, a small increase when compared to the previous year. On 31 October 2021, between 01:00 to 07:45h, Portugal (Mainland) met 100% of its electricity needs with wind energy during several periods. The instantaneous electricity demand met by wind energy during this period was 108%. Values above 100% were also observed for some hours on 27th December 2021.

The main R&D project tasks were ongoing as expected. Project Carbo4Power provided an innovative design of a modular rotor offshore blade, while project PivotBuoy unveiled the new prototype of the floating offshore wind turbine. Project Atlantis performed the first scenario test on robotics to inspect a turbine tower and blades at Viana do Castelo.

Please review Portugal’s chapter in the 2021 Annual Report.

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Megawatt

Total wind power capacity is 5,628 MW.
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Megawatt

Wind power capacity in Portugal increased by 126 MW in 2021.
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Terawatt-time

Portugal produces 13.27 TWh from wind energy, which accounts for 26% of the country’s electricity consumption.

National Targets

The targets for renewable power capacity by 2030 were published in the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). Targets are ambitious, and by 2030 an expected wind power capacity of 9.3 GW (including overcapacity, repowering, and 300 MW for offshore wind energy systems) is projected, representing an increase of more than 3.7 GW when compared with 2020. The vision for 2050 was established in the Portuguese Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality 2050 (RCN2050). The wind power capacity scenarios expected by 2050 range between 12.0 to 13.0 GW onshore and 0.2 to 1.3 GW offshore.

Progress & Operational Details

Wind power cumulative capacity increased by 126 MW. Two new onshore wind parks were installed in Portugal, while the remaining installed capacity corresponds to overplanting on currently installed wind parks. By the end of 2021, the cumulative installed capacity was distributed over 265 wind parks, with 2,836 wind turbines. The Portuguese wind power fleet generated 13.27 TWh, meeting 26% of the electricity demand.

The wind shares of the total renewable production increased by 2% from 2020 to 40%. This is a slight increase due to the decrease in hydropower production (41%) attributable to a below-average hydro year aligned with an average year regarding the wind regime. The average wind power production at full capacity stood at 2,359 hours, indicating a 5% increase over 2020 (2,235 hours). The Portuguese transmission system operator (TSO) indicated an annual wind generation index of 1.01. This represents a 7% increase in the index compared to 2020.

National RDD Priorities and Budget

National R&D priorities for 2021 are similar to 2020, so they remain on training facilities and designing services for the offshore wind industry, the adaptation of the 5G technology on smart grids, and developing tools and methodologies to maximise the penetration of renewable energy into the power system. Most R&D activities are taking place at the main Portuguese institutes and universities and are funded through national and/ or European programs.

The Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology (FCT) foreseen an investment of 653 million EUR (743 million USD) in science and technology during 2021. Approximately 150 million EUR (171 million USD) was for R, D&D and innovation projects, while 152 million EUR (173 million USD) went towards scientific jobs. These numbers represent a 2% decrease in total investment, a 12.3% increase in R, D&D investment, and a 6% decrease in scientific job investment compared to 2020.

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Member Ana Estanquiero

ana.estanqueiro@lneg.pt

Alternate Member Alvaro Rodrigues

ahr@fe.up.pt

Alternate member Teresa Simoes

teresa.simoes@lneg.pt