A preliminary energy and environmental assessment of a micro wind turbine prototype in natural protected areas

•This paper presents an energy and environmental analysis of a small hybrid system.•It includes photovoltaic (PV) and a micro wind turbine (MWT).•Micro wind turbine and PV array tested individually and as hybrid system.

This paper presents a preliminary energy and environmental analysis of a vertical-axis micro wind turbine with a nominal electric power of 3.7 kW. This prototype is called AM300.The main aim of the paper is to assess the amount of electric energy production of the AM300 and its feasible use in low wind speed areas. Furthermore, analyzing its low environmental impact, a potential installation in a natural protected area was considered.The turbine power curve was estimated by anemometric measurements. Furthermore, foreseeable prototype hybridization with PV array was analyzed.The environmental performance was assessed evaluating the soil, hydro geological, biodiversity and noise impacts. Finally, an analysis of the CO2 emissions avoided is reported. The obtained results show good sustainability perspectives.