Inauguration of 4.5 MW Sierra do Cume wind plant

Portuguese electricity distribution company Electricidade dos Açores (EDA) has inaugurated the EUR 5.7 million 4.5 MW Serra do Cume Wind Park. Comprising five Enercon 900 kW turbines, the plant will generate enough electricity to meet around 5% of annual demand on the island of Terceira. On the neighbouring island of Faial, EDA is investing EUR 1.8 million to install three 330 kW turbines. Due online in 2011, they will bring Faial's installed wind capacity up to 2.79 MW. Both projects will contribute to the Azores government's plan for renewables to supply 75% of the region's energy, up from 28% currently, within the next decade. The plan foresees 46 MW of renewables installed. EDA plans to invest EUR 105 million over the next five years to achieve the goal. This will include wind turbine installations on the islands of São Miguel, Santa Maria, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial.