“It doesn't stop here. We will then expand to around 70MW”, that is, “multiply it by almost 15”, said Miguel Stilwell d’Andrade, in his speech at the opening ceremony of this solar power plant, on the wall of the Alqueva dam.

Miguel Stilwell d’Andrade said that EDP also plans to add “more wind and solar projects” in the Alqueva area for “a [global] project of 150 MW”.

Regarding the plant, the official considered that “it is a great example of combining innovation with a commitment to the energy transition”.

The floating solar park in the Alentejo reservoir, which involves a global investment of six million euros, is made up of close to 12,000 photovoltaic panels.

Portuguese cork

The plant's floats, produced by a Spanish company, include cork composites developed by Amorim Cork Composites, owned by Corticeira Amorim.

The executive chairman of EDP indicated that the company is “developing floating solar technology in Asia” and highlighted the “great potential” of this technology, including for export.

The floats are produced with Portuguese cork, he said, stressing that the objective is for them to be used in other countries as well.