Portugal boosts renewable energy with new BNZ solar farm and nationwide green zoning map

BNZ inaugurated its second photovoltaic solar plant in the municipality of Trofa, northern Portugal. The 28.37 MWp facility, called the Muro centre, is expected to generate about 43.68 GWh of clean electricity each year and avoid roughly 4,890 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The project is part of BNZ’s plan to invest up to €600 million in Portugal to develop nine solar farms and add 100 MW of battery storage, aiming to increase system flexibility and support the country’s energy transition.

A separate report released by a group of experts, led by IST professor Maria do Rosário Partidário, presented a “Green Map” of renewable energy zones (ZAER) covering almost 664 000 ha – twice the area of Greater Lisbon. The map identifies 579 000 ha suitable for solar PV and 85 000 ha for wind, primarily in interior Centro, Norte interior and parts of Alentejo, with most locations close to substations, facilitating potential hybrid projects and further renewable deployment.

Both developments underscore Portugal’s strategic push toward expanding solar and wind capacity and integrating storage to meet climate goals.