Iberdrola has completed and commissioned the Montechoro I and II photovoltaic (PV) plants in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.
These plants, with a combined capacity of 37 MW, will contribute significantly to the country’s renewable energy generation.
Awarded to Iberdrola in a 2019 auction, the projects will produce an estimated 56.84 GWh annually, enough to power approximately 19,000 households and offset over 21 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per year.
Investment and Job Creation
Representing a total investment of €30 million, the construction of the Montechoro I and II plants created around 200 jobs in the Algarve region.
The project also boosted the local economy by engaging suppliers for the construction of the grid connection and substation.
Milestone in Decarbonization Efforts
Alejandra Reyna, Managing Director of Iberdrola Renewables Portugal, emphasized the importance of these new PV plants as a significant step towards decarbonization.
She stated that they reinforce Portugal’s renewable energy capacity and contribute to socioeconomic development, aligning with national and global targets for emission reduction and energy autonomy.
Continued Commitment to Biodiversity
Iberdrola remains dedicated to environmental conservation, implementing various measures to protect biodiversity during the construction of these plants.
Iberdrola will continue investing in the expansion of its green energy production portfolio in Portugal. This commitment supports the energy transition, strengthens energy security and competitiveness, and creates sustainable employment opportunities throughout the value chain.
Diverse Renewable Assets in Portugal
Iberdrola’s portfolio in Portugal boasts an impressive 1435 MW of installed capacity across diverse technologies.
This includes the three hydroelectric power plants (1158 MW) of the Tâmega Power Generation System, which will be integrated with the country’s largest wind farm (274 MW) in the future, forming the largest hybridization project in Portugal.
Additionally, Iberdrola operates three wind farms (92 MW) and a range of PV plants (185 MW). The Carregado PV Power Plant (62 MW) is the final of seven lots awarded in the 2019 auction and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Environmental Preservation Initiatives
Iberdrola’s commitment to environmental preservation is evident in various projects, including the preservation of the Gruta Pequena do Escarpão, a cave of geological interest located within the Montechoro II PV plant site.
Educational visits to this site are planned for the future to promote awareness of local geology, clean energy generation, and environmental benefits.
Other initiatives include creating habitats for reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and birds, planting trees suited to the area, and transplanting rare, endemic, localized, threatened, or endangered (RELAPE) plant species.
Furthermore, Iberdrola has committed to compensating and maintaining 7.4 hectares of habitat 5330 (pre-desert thermo-Mediterranean scrubland) in Albufeira, Algarve. The company is also implementing forest management practices to comply with the Municipal Plan for the Defense of the Forest Against Fires of Albufeira, safeguarding infrastructure from rural fires.