Three new wind turbines start producing at the Figueiral wind farm on Santa Maria
Azores GuideEDA expects wind to cover about 21% of Santa Maria's electricity in 2027 and plans a lithium battery reserve to take more renewable power onto the island's grid.
Grupo EDA, the Azores electricity company, has put three new 900 kW wind turbines into service at the Figueiral wind farm on Santa Maria. Two began producing on Wednesday last week and the third a day later.
Tests and final adjustments to the command, control and supervision systems are under way before the turbines reach full operation. The new machines can support the grid during electrical disturbances.
EDA Renováveis, the group's renewable energy company, paid for the project entirely from its own funds. Asked by Lusa, the company declined to say how much it cost, calling the figure commercially sensitive.
Figueiral opened in 1988 as the first wind farm in the Azores and the second in Portugal, with eight turbines of 30 kW.
With the farm in full operation, EDA estimates it will save about 1.3 million litres of diesel in 2027. The company expects wind to supply about 21% of the island's electricity that year and solar about 4%, for a renewable share of up to 26%.
EDA plans to install a fast reserve system based on lithium batteries on Santa Maria so that the grid can take more renewable power.
Sources
Azores Guide
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