EDP Renewables (EDPR) has connected its first international hybrid plant to the grid, combining wind and solar energy production on a single site.
The Mina de Orgueirel solar farm was opened next to the Mosteiro wind park in Sabugal municipality, Portugal, with a direct connection to the substation, taking advantage of the electrical infrastructure already in place and creating a hybrid electricity production complex.
This is the first park of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula to combine the two different technologies, further contributing to decarbonisation and increasing the presence of renewable energy on the grid.
The solar plant provides an installed capacity of 8.4MW with over 17,000 bifacial solar panels capable of capturing solar irradiance on both sides, maximising energy production.
The wind park has eight turbines and a total installed capacity of 11MW, including a more powerful machine installed as part of an over-equipment project.
The hybrid project is capable of producing up to 39.5GWh per year, enough to provide over 30,000 people with renewable energy. The hybrid complex will also help prevent the emission of approximately 18,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
“The commissioning of EDPR’s first hybrid wind/solar park is a reflection of our pioneering and innovative spirit as well as a deepening of our commitment to energy transition within our core business regions,” said Duarte Bello, EDPR executive director for Europe and Latin America.
“By taking this hybrid approach we will be able to increase the amount of electricity produced in the region as well as minimising the impact of new undertakings in renewables by maximising use of the pre-existing infrastructure. We intend to carry on investing in the hybridisation of parks held in our portfolio, both in Portugal as well as in other regions with strong development potential.”