Wind energy, or wind, is caused by pressure differences across the Earth’s surface, due to the solar radiation received on Earth being greater in the equatorial zones than in the polar zones. Wind has had multiple uses over time, such as milling grain, lifting water in wells and as a propelling force for sailing boats.
Currently, wind energy is seen as one of the most promising renewable energy sources, being characterized as a mature technology that can contribute to the security of energy supply and sustainability of the electrical system.
In Portugal, there are many suitable locations for the use of wind energy throughout the territory, both in coastal areas that take advantage of the coastal winds, which blow more at the end of the day and in some summer months, as well as in the mountainous areas of the interior where the winds have continental characteristics and are more intense in winter. Generally, in all these places, wind speeds are very often above 5 m/s, a value at which wind turbines generally start producing electricity.