Portugal offers land-based alternatives for Távora river solar project

Portugal's Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, has stated that land-based alternatives are available for the proposed floating solar and hybrid wind project at the Vilar-Tabuaço reservoir on the Távora river.

Carvalho emphasized that the final decision rests with the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), rather than the government. She noted that a recent decree allows for flexibility, enabling the developer to change the location, technology, or size of the project, including splitting it into two separate land-based initiatives to avoid current environmental concerns.

The project, which involves the installation of 30,744 bifacial photovoltaic panels, is currently undergoing public consultation, which is scheduled to conclude on November 23. The authorization process involves the APA, the Regional Coordination and Development Commissions (CCDR), and the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF).