The Montchoro 1 and 2 photovoltaic power plants, located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, have been completed and are now contributing to the country’s renewable energy production capacity.With a total installed capacity of 37 MW and a total annual production capacity of 56.84 GWh, the projects were awarded to Iberdrola in an auction in 2019. More than 64,554 bifacial panels will produce enough energy to power around 19,000 households. Thus avoiding the emission of more than 21,000 tons of CO2 per year.
With a total investment of 30 million euros, the project created around 200 jobs in the area and contributed to strengthening the local economy. By contracting with suppliers to build the communication network and substation.
“The completion of two additional photovoltaic plants represents an important step towards decarbonising the economy, strengthening Portugal’s renewable energy capacity and contributing to social and economic development, in line with national policies and global targets to reduce emissions and promote energy independence,” said Alejandra Reina, CEO of Iberdrola Renovables Portugal.
In addition, Iberdrola continues to strengthen its commitment to protecting biodiversity, providing environmental conservation measures during the construction of these power plants.
Enhancing energy transition
Iberdrola will continue to invest in expanding its production portfolio in Portugal.Supporting the energy transition, improving energy security and competitiveness, and creating sustainable job opportunities across the value chain.
Iberdrola has a portfolio of operational projects with an installed capacity of 1,435 MW. : the three hydroelectric plants (1,158 MW) of the Támega production system, which will in the future be integrated into the country's largest wind farm (274 MW) and which will constitute the largest hybrid project in Portugal; the three wind farms (92 MW) in Catívica (18 MW), Alto do Monção (32 MW) and Serra do Alvão (42 MW); and a series of photovoltaic plants (185 MW), from the 2019 auction, of which Iberdrola was the largest successful bidder in terms of number and lot – Algeiros 2, in Setúbal (27 MW), Conde, in Palmela (14 MW), Alcochete 1 and 2 (46 MW) and now Montchoro 1 (12 MW) and 2 (25 MW). The last of the seven lots is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2024: the Carregado photovoltaic plant (62 MW).
Environmental commitment
In the field of environmental conservation projectsOne of the highlights is the preservation of the Gruta Pequena do Escarpão, a geologically significant cavity located in the fenced area of the Montechoro II photovoltaic power plant. In the future, there are plans to organize educational tours to raise awareness of the local geology, clean energy production and environmental benefits.
Iberdrola has also invested in creating habitats and winter shelters for reptiles, mammals, amphibians and birds.in planting trees adapted to the region, such as strawberries, olive trees and carob trees, and in planting RELAPE species (rare, endemic, local, threatened or endangered), such as “Narcissus bolbocodium”.
Iberdrola also plans to restore and maintain 7.4 hectares of 5,330 habitats. (Pre-desert Mediterranean Thermal Scrub) in the Municipality of Albufeira, Algarve, as well as the Forestry Department to comply with the Fire Defense Plan of the Albufeira Municipal Forest, and the maintenance and protection of infrastructure against rural fires.
