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APA issues unfavourable decision to the photovoltaic plant in Serra do Marão

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 24/10/2026, 11:26:24 UTC.

Briefings

The APA issued a negative decision on October 24, 2026, rejecting the hybrid solar project at Parque Eólico de Penedo Ruivo in the Serra do Marão due to significant environmental impacts. The project, proposed by EnergieKontor, aimed to install 21 hectares of solar panels, generating 24.86 GWh annually, but was deemed incompatible with conservation values. Public consultation between March and April 2026 received 666 submissions, with overwhelming opposition from citizens and local associations, while only five citizens and one municipality supported it. The APA cited cumulative ecological, landscape, and territorial impacts, including potential harm to protected habitats and the Serra da Aboboreira, despite the project's partial infrastructure reuse.

Key points

• The APA rejected the hybrid solar project at Parque Eólico de Penedo Ruivo on October 24, 2026, citing significant negative environmental impacts incompatible with conservation values.
• The project proposed by EnergieKontor aimed to install 21 hectares of solar panels, generating 24.86 GWh annually, but was rejected due to cumulative impacts on protected habitats and the Serra da Aboboreira.

Context

This decision impacts the Serra do Marão region's renewable energy transition, as the project was the only viable option for 21 hectares of solar installation in the area. The rejection highlights ongoing tensions between energy needs and conservation in the region.

Limitations

Evidence is limited to APA's official decision and public consultation data from March to April 2026. Specific details on mitigation measures and alternative sites are not provided, and the decision does not account for future climate change impacts.

Generated by Bittrees-hosted qwen35-2b sha256:aaf42c8b7c3c on 24/10/2026, 11:33:23 UTC. Based on publisher-provided feed evidence; may not cover the full original article. Check the source for details.

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