The Montechoro photovoltaic complex is at the beginning of construction and will produce “20,000 MWh per year of green energy”, representing an investment of more than 28 million euros and will create up to 200 jobs, quantified Iberdrola, in a statement.

The creation of this energy will make it possible to “supply around 15,000 homes”, the company also indicated, stressing that the Albufeira complex, in the Faro district, is part of the set of “1,960 MW wind and solar projects” which, with the Hydroelectric Complex do Tâmega, with a capacity of 1,158 MW, the Spanish energy company is developing in Portugal.

The promoters started the “installation works of the photovoltaic complex Montechoro I and II, of 11.57 and 25 MW, respectively”, which will together have a “total installed capacity of 37 MW” and “will avoid the emission of 42,000 tons of CO2 per year”, highlighted the company.

The plants will have “more than 64,500 bifacial panels”, equipment that has “two surfaces sensitive to light” and manages to achieve “greater production, without increasing the number of solar panels” installed.

By generating “20,000 MWh per year of indigenous green energy to supply around 15,000 homes”, the Montechoro plants ensure a production “equivalent to half the population of the city of Albufeira”.

“The project, which involves an investment of more than 28 million euros, will generate up to 200 jobs, mostly occupied by local workers. It is expected to start operating this year”, estimated Iberdrola.


“Key country”


The company classified Portugal as a “key country” for its operation, because “investments of 3,000 million euros in wind and solar energy” are planned for the country over the “next few years”.

“Among the initiatives that will be carried out in this country is the construction of the Fernando Pessoa photovoltaic plant, which, with 1,200 MW of power, will be the largest photovoltaic project in Europe and the fifth in the world”.

The plant is located in the municipality of Santiago de Cacém and is expected to start operating in 2025, the company estimated, stressing that it is a project with the capacity to produce energy “sufficient to cover the annual needs of 430,000 homes”.