BNG criticizes hydroelectric projects in Oia and O Rosal

Brais Ruanova, a deputy for the BNG, has called on the PP to prioritize public interest over corporate interests regarding proposed reversible seawater hydroelectric plants in Portecelo (O Rosal) and Fonte das Mañas (Oia).

During a parliamentary session, Ruanova criticized the projects, describing them as an “environmental temerity” and a “speculative aggression” against the Serra da Groba. He noted that nearly 50,000 objections have been filed against the plans. The deputy warned that the projects aim to store nearly three million cubic meters of saltwater near local freshwater aquifers and could impact the coastline and geological interests.

Furthermore, Ruanova alleged a lack of technical rigor, claiming the projects were fragmented to avoid standard environmental assessments and relied on outdated 1999 Japanese documentation that does not reflect local geological realities.