50 candidate locations Portugal wind pow…
Page Info
Writer AndyKim Hit 1,423 Hit Date 25-02-06 11:47Content
Below is a comprehensive list of 50 candidate locations across Portugal that are considered promising for constructing wind power plants. These sites were selected based on factors such as strong and consistent wind resources, favorable topography (ranging from flat agricultural plains to coastal zones and elevated plateaus), ample available or repurposable land, and supportive regional and national renewable energy policies. As with any renewable energy project, it is essential to conduct detailed, site‑specific feasibility studies—including wind resource measurements, grid connectivity analyses, environmental impact assessments, and reviews of permitting requirements—before proceeding.
For ease of reference, the candidate locations are grouped by region.
---
## **I. Alentejo Region (10 Locations)**
1. **Beja District – Central Plains**
- **Overview:** Vast, flat agricultural lands with consistent wind flows.
- **Key Points:** High capacity factors; low turbulence; ideal for utility‑scale wind farms.
2. **Évora District – Open Farmlands**
- **Overview:** Wide open fields in Évora offer excellent wind potential.
- **Key Points:** Abundant available land; low population density; supportive local incentives.
3. **Portalegre District – Rural Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Large tracts of open land in Portalegre with steady wind regimes.
- **Key Points:** Favorable wind speeds; minimal obstructions; opportunities for both on‑grid and off‑grid projects.
4. **Moura Area**
- **Overview:** An arid part of Alentejo with extensive open terrain.
- **Key Points:** High wind potential; low vegetation cover; suitable for large‑scale development.
5. **Ourique Region**
- **Overview:** Known for its semi‑arid climate and flat, expansive lands.
- **Key Points:** Consistent wind resource; ample space for turbine clusters; supportive state policies.
6. **Serpa Area**
- **Overview:** Rural zone with agricultural fields and open landscapes.
- **Key Points:** Reliable wind speeds; low environmental conflicts; potential for distributed wind.
7. **Montemor-o-Novo Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Open plains surrounding Montemor-o-Novo with steady winds.
- **Key Points:** Ideal for utility‑scale wind farms; integration with local grids; competitive land costs.
8. **Vila Real de Santo António Region**
- **Overview:** Coastal and inland areas near the Guadiana River with favorable wind conditions.
- **Key Points:** Combination of coastal breezes and flat agricultural land; potential for hybrid renewable projects.
9. **Sines Coastal Hinterlands (Alentejo Litoral)**
- **Overview:** Areas inland from Sines that capture strong sea‑breeze effects.
- **Key Points:** High wind speeds; opportunities for both onshore and near‑offshore integration; supportive renewable framework.
10. **Alcácer do Sal Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Rural lands near the border of Alentejo and Ribatejo with good wind potential.
- **Key Points:** Steady wind regimes; large available tracts; favorable local planning conditions.
---
## **II. Algarve Region (8 Locations)**
11. **Faro District – Coastal Plains**
- **Overview:** Flat coastal areas in Faro benefit from strong maritime winds.
- **Key Points:** Consistent wind speeds; low shading; excellent potential for utility‑scale projects.
12. **Loulé Rural Zones**
- **Overview:** Agricultural and open lands in the outskirts of Loulé with steady wind resources.
- **Key Points:** Ideal for community‑scale and distributed wind; supportive local policies; attractive land costs.
13. **Portimão Coastal Area**
- **Overview:** Exposed coastal regions near Portimão with robust sea breezes.
- **Key Points:** High wind speeds; suitable for large‑scale wind farms; integration with regional transmission networks.
14. **Albufeira Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Rural areas adjacent to the tourist hub of Albufeira offering moderate wind resources.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for distributed wind projects; potential for hybrid systems with solar; low environmental impact.
15. **Tavira Rural Zone**
- **Overview:** Open agricultural lands near Tavira with steady wind flows.
- **Key Points:** Consistent wind resource; potential for community‑scale projects; integration with local grids.
16. **Monchique Foothills (Northern Algarve)**
- **Overview:** Elevated areas on the fringes of Algarve where wind speeds are enhanced by topography.
- **Key Points:** High capacity factors due to elevation; suitable for distributed wind; scenic rural settings.
17. **Silves Region**
- **Overview:** Open farmlands around Silves that experience consistent wind.
- **Key Points:** Ideal for utility‑scale installations; low land cost; supportive municipal initiatives.
18. **Lagoa Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Rural areas surrounding Lagoa offer moderate, reliable wind speeds.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for small‑to‑medium wind projects; integration with local renewable strategies; dual‑use potential with agriculture.
---
## **III. Centro Region (10 Locations)**
19. **Guarda District**
- **Overview:** High‑plains with open agricultural land provide a strong wind resource.
- **Key Points:** High wind speeds; vast available land; attractive for large‑scale wind farms.
20. **Castelo Branco District**
- **Overview:** Flat and open farmlands in Castelo Branco offer consistent wind.
- **Key Points:** Low turbulence; cost‑effective land; supportive of community‑scale projects.
21. **Coimbra Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Rural areas surrounding Coimbra with moderate wind potential.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for distributed wind; integration with local microgrids; accessible from urban centers.
22. **Leiria District – Inland Plains**
- **Overview:** Open agricultural lands in Leiria provide a reliable wind resource.
- **Key Points:** Consistent wind regimes; potential for utility‑scale projects; supportive regional renewable policies.
23. **Aveiro Coastal Plains (Inland Extensions)**
- **Overview:** While Aveiro is known for its coastal lagoon, nearby open areas offer good wind potential.
- **Key Points:** Consistent wind speeds; integration with existing energy infrastructure; opportunities for distributed generation.
24. **Viseu District**
- **Overview:** Vast agricultural lands in Viseu with moderate-to-high wind speeds.
- **Key Points:** Abundant available land; low environmental constraints; potential for community wind.
25. **Santarém – Rural Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Open, flat lands near Santarém capture steady wind flows.
- **Key Points:** Ideal for utility‑scale wind farms; low population density; integration with regional grids.
26. **Beira Baixa Region**
- **Overview:** Agricultural zones in Beira Baixa offer moderate wind speeds with ample space.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for community‑scale installations; cost‑effective land; supportive local initiatives.
27. **Cova da Beira**
- **Overview:** A valley region with consistent wind resources due to channeling effects.
- **Key Points:** Enhanced wind speeds; suitable for distributed wind projects; low environmental impact.
28. **Dão Region (Open Agricultural Areas)**
- **Overview:** Rural areas in the Dão region provide steady wind conditions suitable for small‑to‑medium projects.
- **Key Points:** Distributed generation potential; integration with local grids; supportive renewable policies.
29. **Ribeira de Mira – Repurposed Agricultural Land**
- **Overview:** Open farmlands in central Portugal that can be repurposed for wind energy.
- **Key Points:** Consistent wind resource; opportunities for large‑scale projects; favorable planning conditions.
30. **Serra da Estrela (Lower Elevations)**
- **Overview:** While the highest elevations are best known for solar, lower elevation areas can offer moderate wind.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for community‑scale wind projects; integration with tourism; supportive local initiatives.
---
## **IV. Norte Region (10 Locations)**
31. **Viana do Castelo – Coastal Zones**
- **Overview:** Exposed coastal areas with strong maritime winds.
- **Key Points:** High wind speeds driven by Atlantic weather; potential for utility‑scale installations; integration with regional grids.
32. **Braga District – Rural Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Open agricultural areas in Braga offer steady wind resources.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for distributed wind; low land costs; supportive local renewable programs.
33. **Porto – Northern Hinterlands**
- **Overview:** Rural zones on the outskirts of Porto exhibit consistent wind flows.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for community‑scale projects; integration with urban microgrids; strong local support.
34. **Guimarães Region**
- **Overview:** Open farmland in Guimarães with moderate-to-high wind potential.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for both small‑scale and larger installations; supportive local initiatives; integration with regional energy markets.
35. **Aveiro (Inland Areas)**
- **Overview:** Beyond the coastal lagoon, inland Aveiro features open agricultural land with steady winds.
- **Key Points:** Consistent wind resource; potential for distributed wind projects; low environmental impact.
36. **Trás-os-Montes – Bragança District**
- **Overview:** A sparsely populated region with high wind potential due to its open, rugged terrain.
- **Key Points:** High capacity factors; vast available land; government support for rural renewables.
37. **Castelo de Paiva Region, Aveiro**
- **Overview:** Open rural areas in this part of Aveiro offer reliable wind speeds.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for both community and utility‑scale projects; low interference; integrated with regional grids.
38. **Guimarães – Northern Minho**
- **Overview:** Rural parts of northern Minho provide steady wind conditions over agricultural fields.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for small‑scale wind; integration with local cooperatives; support from regional programs.
39. **Vila Real Region (Northern Inland)**
- **Overview:** Open, rolling farmland in Vila Real offers good wind potential.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for utility‑scale developments; low land costs; strong grid connectivity.
40. **Bragança – Open Plains**
- **Overview:** Vast open areas in Bragança with high wind speeds and low population density.
- **Key Points:** Ideal for large‑scale wind farms; minimal environmental impact; supportive regional renewable policies.
---
## **V. Islands & Autonomous Regions (2 Locations)**
41. **Azores – São Miguel Island (Northern Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** Exposed coastal areas on São Miguel benefit from strong trade winds.
- **Key Points:** High wind resource; opportunities for distributed and utility‑scale projects; integration with local microgrids.
42. **Madeira – North Coast**
- **Overview:** The northern coastal zone of Madeira experiences robust wind speeds driven by Atlantic systems.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for onshore wind installations; high potential for energy self‑sufficiency; support from regional renewable programs.
---
## **VI. Additional/Repurposing Opportunities (8 Locations)**
43. **Repurposed Brownfields in Rural Alentejo**
- **Overview:** Underutilized industrial or agricultural sites in Alentejo can be converted into wind farm sites.
- **Key Points:** Cost‑effective land; steady wind resource; potential for hybrid renewable projects.
44. **Agricultural Land Repowering in Centro**
- **Overview:** Former farmlands in the Centro region suitable for repowering with modern wind turbines.
- **Key Points:** Low land costs; established grid connectivity; community and municipal support.
45. **Mixed-Use Zones in Northern Portugal (Repurposing Old Industrial Areas)**
- **Overview:** Industrial brownfields in the Norte region with available open space for wind installations.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for repowering; integration with local redevelopment initiatives; supportive of distributed wind.
46. **Hybrid Wind-Solar Sites in the Alentejo**
- **Overview:** Locations where wind and solar complement each other to maximize renewable output.
- **Key Points:** Diversified energy production; improved grid stability; eligible for integrated funding.
47. **Coastal Repowering in Algarve**
- **Overview:** Underutilized coastal lands in the Algarve that can host wind turbines in combination with existing renewables.
- **Key Points:** Dual‑use potential; strong maritime wind resource; supportive local policies.
48. **New Wind Farm Clusters in Rural Centro**
- **Overview:** Areas identified by regional planning agencies for renewable energy expansion.
- **Key Points:** Strategic site selection; integrated transmission planning; potential for community benefits.
49. **Small‑Scale Wind Projects on University Campuses in Northern Portugal**
- **Overview:** Educational institutions with large rooftop or open campus spaces.
- **Key Points:** Pilot project potential; research and development integration; educational and demonstrative value.
50. **Community‑Driven Wind Initiatives in the Rural Outskirts of Porto**
- **Overview:** Rural communities around Porto interested in cooperative wind energy projects.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for distributed generation; local energy independence; supportive municipal programs.
---
**Final Considerations:**
- **Local Regulations & Incentives:** Wind energy policies, subsidies, and permitting processes vary by autonomous region and municipality in Portugal. Engaging with local authorities, regional energy agencies, and national renewable programs is essential to understand the regulatory framework and available financial support.
- **Site‑Specific Evaluations:** Detailed feasibility studies—including on‑site wind measurements (using anemometry and modeling), grid connectivity assessments, environmental impact analyses, and economic evaluations—are critical to optimize project design and ensure long‑term viability.
This comprehensive list of 50 candidate regions provides a robust starting point for exploring wind power opportunities across Portugal. Each region’s unique climatic, geographical, and regulatory characteristics should be carefully analyzed to determine the best fit for your specific project requirements.
For ease of reference, the candidate locations are grouped by region.
---
## **I. Alentejo Region (10 Locations)**
1. **Beja District – Central Plains**
- **Overview:** Vast, flat agricultural lands with consistent wind flows.
- **Key Points:** High capacity factors; low turbulence; ideal for utility‑scale wind farms.
2. **Évora District – Open Farmlands**
- **Overview:** Wide open fields in Évora offer excellent wind potential.
- **Key Points:** Abundant available land; low population density; supportive local incentives.
3. **Portalegre District – Rural Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Large tracts of open land in Portalegre with steady wind regimes.
- **Key Points:** Favorable wind speeds; minimal obstructions; opportunities for both on‑grid and off‑grid projects.
4. **Moura Area**
- **Overview:** An arid part of Alentejo with extensive open terrain.
- **Key Points:** High wind potential; low vegetation cover; suitable for large‑scale development.
5. **Ourique Region**
- **Overview:** Known for its semi‑arid climate and flat, expansive lands.
- **Key Points:** Consistent wind resource; ample space for turbine clusters; supportive state policies.
6. **Serpa Area**
- **Overview:** Rural zone with agricultural fields and open landscapes.
- **Key Points:** Reliable wind speeds; low environmental conflicts; potential for distributed wind.
7. **Montemor-o-Novo Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Open plains surrounding Montemor-o-Novo with steady winds.
- **Key Points:** Ideal for utility‑scale wind farms; integration with local grids; competitive land costs.
8. **Vila Real de Santo António Region**
- **Overview:** Coastal and inland areas near the Guadiana River with favorable wind conditions.
- **Key Points:** Combination of coastal breezes and flat agricultural land; potential for hybrid renewable projects.
9. **Sines Coastal Hinterlands (Alentejo Litoral)**
- **Overview:** Areas inland from Sines that capture strong sea‑breeze effects.
- **Key Points:** High wind speeds; opportunities for both onshore and near‑offshore integration; supportive renewable framework.
10. **Alcácer do Sal Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Rural lands near the border of Alentejo and Ribatejo with good wind potential.
- **Key Points:** Steady wind regimes; large available tracts; favorable local planning conditions.
---
## **II. Algarve Region (8 Locations)**
11. **Faro District – Coastal Plains**
- **Overview:** Flat coastal areas in Faro benefit from strong maritime winds.
- **Key Points:** Consistent wind speeds; low shading; excellent potential for utility‑scale projects.
12. **Loulé Rural Zones**
- **Overview:** Agricultural and open lands in the outskirts of Loulé with steady wind resources.
- **Key Points:** Ideal for community‑scale and distributed wind; supportive local policies; attractive land costs.
13. **Portimão Coastal Area**
- **Overview:** Exposed coastal regions near Portimão with robust sea breezes.
- **Key Points:** High wind speeds; suitable for large‑scale wind farms; integration with regional transmission networks.
14. **Albufeira Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Rural areas adjacent to the tourist hub of Albufeira offering moderate wind resources.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for distributed wind projects; potential for hybrid systems with solar; low environmental impact.
15. **Tavira Rural Zone**
- **Overview:** Open agricultural lands near Tavira with steady wind flows.
- **Key Points:** Consistent wind resource; potential for community‑scale projects; integration with local grids.
16. **Monchique Foothills (Northern Algarve)**
- **Overview:** Elevated areas on the fringes of Algarve where wind speeds are enhanced by topography.
- **Key Points:** High capacity factors due to elevation; suitable for distributed wind; scenic rural settings.
17. **Silves Region**
- **Overview:** Open farmlands around Silves that experience consistent wind.
- **Key Points:** Ideal for utility‑scale installations; low land cost; supportive municipal initiatives.
18. **Lagoa Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Rural areas surrounding Lagoa offer moderate, reliable wind speeds.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for small‑to‑medium wind projects; integration with local renewable strategies; dual‑use potential with agriculture.
---
## **III. Centro Region (10 Locations)**
19. **Guarda District**
- **Overview:** High‑plains with open agricultural land provide a strong wind resource.
- **Key Points:** High wind speeds; vast available land; attractive for large‑scale wind farms.
20. **Castelo Branco District**
- **Overview:** Flat and open farmlands in Castelo Branco offer consistent wind.
- **Key Points:** Low turbulence; cost‑effective land; supportive of community‑scale projects.
21. **Coimbra Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Rural areas surrounding Coimbra with moderate wind potential.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for distributed wind; integration with local microgrids; accessible from urban centers.
22. **Leiria District – Inland Plains**
- **Overview:** Open agricultural lands in Leiria provide a reliable wind resource.
- **Key Points:** Consistent wind regimes; potential for utility‑scale projects; supportive regional renewable policies.
23. **Aveiro Coastal Plains (Inland Extensions)**
- **Overview:** While Aveiro is known for its coastal lagoon, nearby open areas offer good wind potential.
- **Key Points:** Consistent wind speeds; integration with existing energy infrastructure; opportunities for distributed generation.
24. **Viseu District**
- **Overview:** Vast agricultural lands in Viseu with moderate-to-high wind speeds.
- **Key Points:** Abundant available land; low environmental constraints; potential for community wind.
25. **Santarém – Rural Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Open, flat lands near Santarém capture steady wind flows.
- **Key Points:** Ideal for utility‑scale wind farms; low population density; integration with regional grids.
26. **Beira Baixa Region**
- **Overview:** Agricultural zones in Beira Baixa offer moderate wind speeds with ample space.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for community‑scale installations; cost‑effective land; supportive local initiatives.
27. **Cova da Beira**
- **Overview:** A valley region with consistent wind resources due to channeling effects.
- **Key Points:** Enhanced wind speeds; suitable for distributed wind projects; low environmental impact.
28. **Dão Region (Open Agricultural Areas)**
- **Overview:** Rural areas in the Dão region provide steady wind conditions suitable for small‑to‑medium projects.
- **Key Points:** Distributed generation potential; integration with local grids; supportive renewable policies.
29. **Ribeira de Mira – Repurposed Agricultural Land**
- **Overview:** Open farmlands in central Portugal that can be repurposed for wind energy.
- **Key Points:** Consistent wind resource; opportunities for large‑scale projects; favorable planning conditions.
30. **Serra da Estrela (Lower Elevations)**
- **Overview:** While the highest elevations are best known for solar, lower elevation areas can offer moderate wind.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for community‑scale wind projects; integration with tourism; supportive local initiatives.
---
## **IV. Norte Region (10 Locations)**
31. **Viana do Castelo – Coastal Zones**
- **Overview:** Exposed coastal areas with strong maritime winds.
- **Key Points:** High wind speeds driven by Atlantic weather; potential for utility‑scale installations; integration with regional grids.
32. **Braga District – Rural Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Open agricultural areas in Braga offer steady wind resources.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for distributed wind; low land costs; supportive local renewable programs.
33. **Porto – Northern Hinterlands**
- **Overview:** Rural zones on the outskirts of Porto exhibit consistent wind flows.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for community‑scale projects; integration with urban microgrids; strong local support.
34. **Guimarães Region**
- **Overview:** Open farmland in Guimarães with moderate-to-high wind potential.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for both small‑scale and larger installations; supportive local initiatives; integration with regional energy markets.
35. **Aveiro (Inland Areas)**
- **Overview:** Beyond the coastal lagoon, inland Aveiro features open agricultural land with steady winds.
- **Key Points:** Consistent wind resource; potential for distributed wind projects; low environmental impact.
36. **Trás-os-Montes – Bragança District**
- **Overview:** A sparsely populated region with high wind potential due to its open, rugged terrain.
- **Key Points:** High capacity factors; vast available land; government support for rural renewables.
37. **Castelo de Paiva Region, Aveiro**
- **Overview:** Open rural areas in this part of Aveiro offer reliable wind speeds.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for both community and utility‑scale projects; low interference; integrated with regional grids.
38. **Guimarães – Northern Minho**
- **Overview:** Rural parts of northern Minho provide steady wind conditions over agricultural fields.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for small‑scale wind; integration with local cooperatives; support from regional programs.
39. **Vila Real Region (Northern Inland)**
- **Overview:** Open, rolling farmland in Vila Real offers good wind potential.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for utility‑scale developments; low land costs; strong grid connectivity.
40. **Bragança – Open Plains**
- **Overview:** Vast open areas in Bragança with high wind speeds and low population density.
- **Key Points:** Ideal for large‑scale wind farms; minimal environmental impact; supportive regional renewable policies.
---
## **V. Islands & Autonomous Regions (2 Locations)**
41. **Azores – São Miguel Island (Northern Coastal Areas)**
- **Overview:** Exposed coastal areas on São Miguel benefit from strong trade winds.
- **Key Points:** High wind resource; opportunities for distributed and utility‑scale projects; integration with local microgrids.
42. **Madeira – North Coast**
- **Overview:** The northern coastal zone of Madeira experiences robust wind speeds driven by Atlantic systems.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for onshore wind installations; high potential for energy self‑sufficiency; support from regional renewable programs.
---
## **VI. Additional/Repurposing Opportunities (8 Locations)**
43. **Repurposed Brownfields in Rural Alentejo**
- **Overview:** Underutilized industrial or agricultural sites in Alentejo can be converted into wind farm sites.
- **Key Points:** Cost‑effective land; steady wind resource; potential for hybrid renewable projects.
44. **Agricultural Land Repowering in Centro**
- **Overview:** Former farmlands in the Centro region suitable for repowering with modern wind turbines.
- **Key Points:** Low land costs; established grid connectivity; community and municipal support.
45. **Mixed-Use Zones in Northern Portugal (Repurposing Old Industrial Areas)**
- **Overview:** Industrial brownfields in the Norte region with available open space for wind installations.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for repowering; integration with local redevelopment initiatives; supportive of distributed wind.
46. **Hybrid Wind-Solar Sites in the Alentejo**
- **Overview:** Locations where wind and solar complement each other to maximize renewable output.
- **Key Points:** Diversified energy production; improved grid stability; eligible for integrated funding.
47. **Coastal Repowering in Algarve**
- **Overview:** Underutilized coastal lands in the Algarve that can host wind turbines in combination with existing renewables.
- **Key Points:** Dual‑use potential; strong maritime wind resource; supportive local policies.
48. **New Wind Farm Clusters in Rural Centro**
- **Overview:** Areas identified by regional planning agencies for renewable energy expansion.
- **Key Points:** Strategic site selection; integrated transmission planning; potential for community benefits.
49. **Small‑Scale Wind Projects on University Campuses in Northern Portugal**
- **Overview:** Educational institutions with large rooftop or open campus spaces.
- **Key Points:** Pilot project potential; research and development integration; educational and demonstrative value.
50. **Community‑Driven Wind Initiatives in the Rural Outskirts of Porto**
- **Overview:** Rural communities around Porto interested in cooperative wind energy projects.
- **Key Points:** Opportunities for distributed generation; local energy independence; supportive municipal programs.
---
**Final Considerations:**
- **Local Regulations & Incentives:** Wind energy policies, subsidies, and permitting processes vary by autonomous region and municipality in Portugal. Engaging with local authorities, regional energy agencies, and national renewable programs is essential to understand the regulatory framework and available financial support.
- **Site‑Specific Evaluations:** Detailed feasibility studies—including on‑site wind measurements (using anemometry and modeling), grid connectivity assessments, environmental impact analyses, and economic evaluations—are critical to optimize project design and ensure long‑term viability.
This comprehensive list of 50 candidate regions provides a robust starting point for exploring wind power opportunities across Portugal. Each region’s unique climatic, geographical, and regulatory characteristics should be carefully analyzed to determine the best fit for your specific project requirements.
List of comments
No comments