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Zero challenges three wind farm projects in protected areas
Credit: May 17, 2025 - portugalpulse.com ~~
The issue concerns the Arcos de Valdevez Wind Farm, situated near Portugal’s only national park, Peneda-Gerês, along with the Silves Wind Farm and the updates to the Tendais Wind Farm, according to a statement issued by the association.
The Arcos de Valdevez Wind Farm—comprising 32 wind turbines and potentially featuring a High Voltage Line (LMAT) crossing sensitive areas—is cited by the association as a significant example of lacking integrated vision and disregard for classified natural values.
A public petition opposing this project has garnered nearly 3,700 signatures.
The Silves Wind Farm, with a study area exceeding 7,300 hectares and including an undefined LMAT, poses a threat to the Serra de Monchique, according to the association, which has issued unfavorable opinions regarding both these projects.
As for the proposal affecting the Tendais Wind Farm in the Cinfães municipality, located entirely within the Montemuro Special Conservation Zone, the association believes that, although updating equipment is a positive step, the project falls short on basic sustainability principles. Instead of utilizing some existing infrastructure, it proposes constructing new concrete foundations in different locations.
In this instance, the association advocates for the project to be revised in order to maximize the reuse of already developed areas and completely prevent environmental liabilities.
Concurrently, Zero highlights a trend where the Environmental Impact Assessment process is perceived as merely a “green light” for the approval of submitted projects, criticizing its sporadic application and deeming it ineffective.
Zero emphasizes that it is not against renewable energy production, provided the projects respect conservation efforts.
“The transition must be fair, both environmentally and socially. This implies rejecting projects that destroy significant natural capital, are situated in classified areas, threaten protected species, and ignore alternatives in less environmentally sensitive areas,” the association asserts.
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