APREN - BioImpacte+ in Monforte (ENG)
BioImpacte+, an initiative by APREN – the Portuguese Renewable Energy Association and Biosinsight, aims to identify and enhance the opportunities that the renewable energy sector, particularly photovoltaic solar power plants, offers for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable development of territories. Through collaborative sessions with local stakeholders, the project seeks to build practical solutions that integrate biodiversity as a core pillar of energy projects.
The first session of the project took place on June 24, 2025, in Monforte, with the support of renewable energy producer Akuo Renováveis Portugal. The event featured the direct involvement of Monforte’s Municipal Council, which also hosted the session, and included participation from the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), bringing together various local actors to discuss and promote biodiversity enhancement in the context of photovoltaic solar plants.
This first session in Monforte marked the beginning of a series of local meetings designed to highlight the environmental, social, and economic benefits of renewable energy projects, fostering social acceptance and the sustainable development of local areas. The case study presented was the Santas Photovoltaic Solar Plant, owned by Akuo, which was inaugurated in September 2024. Located in the municipalities of Monforte and Borba, with grid connection in Estremoz, the plant has an installed capacity of 180 MWp and comprises 330,000 solar panels, generating enough electricity to power the equivalent of 100,000 households annually.
More details here: https://www.apren.pt/en/apren/activit...