Portugal expands renewable energy with new solar plant and warns of offshore wind auction delays

BNZ, a Next‑Generation independent power producer, inaugurated a 28.37 MWp photovoltaic plant in the municipality of Trofa, northern Portugal. The facility, known as the Muro solar farm, is expected to generate about 43.68 GWh annually and avoid more than 4,890 tonnes of CO2 each year. The opening was attended by local officials and partners, and the project is part of BNZ’s €600 million investment plan that aims to add nine solar parks in Portugal.

Separately, the Portuguese Renewable Energy Association (APREN) warned that repeated postponements of the offshore wind tender could cause Portugal to lose investment to rival markets. A study predicts offshore wind could supply 13.5 TWh in 2025 – roughly 25 % of mainland Portugal’s electricity consumption – but the first projects may not appear until after 2030 if the auction schedule is not accelerated. APREN cited Spain’s faster progress and suggested adopting contract‑for‑difference (CfD) and power‑purchase‑agreement (PPA) models used elsewhere in Europe to attract developers.