Portugal issues new rules for selection of unsibisidized large-scale solar projects
The new provisions include a draw mechanism for the project selection. The results of the first draw will be announced in mid-March.
Portuguese grid operator to invest €70 million to accommodate more solar
Overall, the grid improvement is expected to enable at least 800 MW of new solar PV plants to come online in the south of the country.
Portugal: ‘Unsubsidized’ approved large-scale PV projects top 756 MW, first private solar PPA signed
The projects will be developed without direct public incentives and will sell power to the spot market – an option still considered unviable by the local renewable energy sector – or through private PPAs. Meanwhile, local power provider, Axpo Iberia has agreed to buy electricity from a 28 MW solar facility planned in southern Portugal under a 10-year PPA.
Portugal: Aquila Capital acquires 170MW solar projects, HSH Nordbank enters market
Acting on the behalf of its investors, the German asset manager has come into possession of four solar PV projects in Portugal, the names of which have not been disclosed. Meanwhile, Germany’s HSH Nordbank has successfully penetrated the Portuguese market with the refinancing of two solar plants.
Portuguese government backpedals on tax for renewables
The leading party of Portugal’s left-wing government coalition, the Socialist Party, said that the extension of the CESE tax to renewables would have hindered the further development of clean energy across the country.
Portuguese Parliament says renewables are not exempt from tax
The CESE tax, so far paid only by conventional energy companies, will be extended to existing RE power plants under the special tariff regime.
Azores to host its first MW-sized PV plant
The solar project Central Fotovoltaica do Corvo will be built by EDA, the Portuguese archipelago’s power utility, and will be used to reduce the island of Corvo’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Large-scale solar is not ready for the spot market in Portugal
In an interview with pv magazine, President of the Portuguese renewable energy association Apren, António Sá da Costa, has explained why solar and renewable energy power plants selling electricity to the spot market are still unviable in the country, and has urged the government to introduce auctions.
Portugal announces new solar plan
The proposal for the new plan is included in the draft state budget law for 2018.
Portugal: projects for solar parks are proliferating
In anticipation of possible auctions for large-scale solar and renewables, several projects for PV plants were submitted to the country’s local and central authorities over the past months. The latest of these is a 20 MW facility planned for the municipality of Vidigueira, in Southern Portugal.
