Portugal is significantly advancing its solar energy capacity, solidifying its role as a key player in Europe’s renewable transition through the inauguration of innovative new solar parks and the strategic repowering of existing plants. These developments are crucial components of the country’s ambitious strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.
New Solar Parks Boost Capacity for Portugal solar energy
Portugal has recently expanded its solar energy capacity by 625 MW, a push marked by several pioneering projects. Two major initiatives highlight this growth: Europe’s largest floating photovoltaic solar park in Alqueva, and the continent’s largest agri-voltaic installation in Beja.
The Alqueva Floating Solar Park, a groundbreaking project developed by EDP, boasts a 5 MW capacity. It features 12,000 solar panels supported by 30,000 floating structures on the Alqueva reservoir. This park is just one part of EDP’s broader 70 MW solar complex in the region, representing a significant €70 million investment in hybrid energy solutions.
Another landmark is the Beja Agro-Photovoltaic Park. With an impressive capacity of 123 MW, this installation is the largest of its kind in Europe, ingeniously combining solar energy production with agricultural activities. The power generated supports the irrigation of 400 hectares of farmland, demonstrating a synergistic approach to land use. This park is part of a larger 1,690 MW capacity awarded to Iberdrola, a project that will also involve constructing eight substations and a 400 kV transmission line to bolster the grid. These projects are part of a wider trend of impressive growth in Portugal solar energy, which includes other large-scale installations like the 272 MWp Torre Bela project.
Repowering of Existing Plants for Portugal solar energy
In addition to building new facilities, Portugal is enhancing the efficiency of its current assets through repowering. The Solar Power Plant of Moura, owned by Endesa, is a prime example. The plant’s capacity was recently upgraded from 45 MW to 49.9 MW. This rapid repowering, completed in just 11 weeks, involved installing 41,000 advanced solar panels over a 70-hectare area. The project, costing 15 million euros, is now expected to supply renewable energy to 28,000 homes annually, abating 15,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year.
This strategy of replacing older components with newer, more efficient technology is central to the country’s goals. Leading energy companies like EDP are driving this trend. In 2025, EDP reported strong financial growth, announcing plans to add 2 gigawatts of new wind and solar capacity by the year’s end, partly through repowering existing plants. This highlights a deep understanding of the evolving solar panel manufacturing process and the benefits of adopting the latest technological advancements.
Portugal’s Renewable Energy Landscape with Portugal solar energy
Portugal has made remarkable progress in scaling its solar infrastructure. In 2023 alone, the country added 1.24 GW of new solar capacity, bringing its cumulative total to 3.96 GW. This expansion has been largely driven by private sector leaders, with Endesa, Iberdrola, and EDP accounting for 47% of the total installed solar capacity. The consistent Portugal solar deployment has set a new standard for the region.
Today, solar energy represents 13% of Portugal’s total electricity generation capacity. This growth is a cornerstone of the nation’s strategy to decarbonize its economy and establish itself as a European leader in solar energy. The inauguration of projects like the Santiago do Cacém solar park further cements this status.
Portugal’s dual strategy of building innovative new solar parks and repowering existing ones underscores a powerful commitment to a sustainable future. These initiatives not only advance the country’s environmental goals but also strengthen its energy independence and economic competitiveness. As Portugal continues to invest in projects with stunning future capacity, it provides a compelling model for other nations navigating the global transition to clean energy.
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