In the question addressed to the Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, which Lusa had access to today, eleven members of the PS parliamentary group, including the MP elected for the Castelo Branco constituency, Nuno Fazenda, question whether the Government “is aware of the investments in question and their impacts”.

The Socialists also want to know if, during this process, “the government held any meetings with the mayors and other representative entities of the region” and, if so, “what meetings and what conclusions were reached”.

The parliamentarians emphasize that the Socialist Party (PS) has been closely monitoring the development of several renewable energy production projects in Portugal, within the framework of the national and European effort towards decarbonisation and energy transition.

“This is a goal that the PS initiated and has always defended, promoting a more sustainable energy model, based on the diversification of clean sources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” they stressed.

One of the projects is related to a photovoltaic power plant in Beira and includes the installation of 425,600 photovoltaic modules, with a total power of 266 Megawatts (MW), in an area of ​​524.4 hectares in the municipalities of Castelo Branco (Monforte da Beira, Malpica do Tejo, Benquerenças, Union of Parishes of Escalos de Baixo and Mata and Castelo Branco) and Idanha-a-Nova (Ladoeiro and Union of Parishes of Idanha-a-Nova and Alcafozes).

This project was subject to public consultation and is currently under analysis. The other project concerns the Sophia photovoltaic solar power plant, which covers the municipalities of Fundão, Idanha-a-Nova, and Penamacor, in the district of Castelo Branco. It represents an investment of approximately €590 million and an installed capacity of 867 MWp (Megawatt peak).

“Deep concerns”

The PS (Socialist Party) deputies highlight that several associations and citizens have expressed “deep concerns” regarding the environmental, social, and economic impact of these projects, particularly concerning the felling of protected species (holm oaks and cork oaks), habitats, fertile soils, and local economic activities such as agricultural and forestry operations, rural tourism, shepherding, hunting, and beekeeping.

Furthermore, they emphasize the transformation of the landscape and the impact on natural areas with multiple protection, notably the Tejo Internacional Natural Park.

“It is therefore fundamental that the investments in question scrupulously comply with all environmental, land-use planning, and public consultation regulations,” the parliamentarians emphasize.

In this sense, they want to know what monitoring the Government is carrying out in relation to the Environmental Impact Assessment process of the two projects, “in order to guarantee its rigorous and transparent compliance.”

“Is it ensured that all opinions from the competent authorities, as well as consultation with local populations, have been and will be taken into consideration before any final decision? Is the adoption of effective measures to minimize and compensate for the identified impacts being considered within the licensing process, especially with regard to deforestation and the impact on local biodiversity?” they ask.

Finally, the Socialist deputies also want to know what concrete mechanisms are being considered to ensure that the benefits of these projects, particularly in terms of environmental compensation, economic return, and employment, are shared with the affected local communities.”