Overview
Coruche 3 is an operational 8 MW solar PV facility in Portugal, contributing to the country's renewable energy capacity under the EU Renewable Energy Directive III.
Coruche 3 is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Portugal, with an operational capacity of 8 megawatts (MW). The facility is situated near the town of Coruche in the Santarém District, a region known for its agricultural landscape and high solar irradiation levels, making it suitable for solar energy generation. As a medium-scale solar installation, Coruche 3 supports Portugal's transition to renewable energy sources. The plant operates under Portugal's national renewable energy framework, which aligns with the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive III (2023/2413), targeting a 42.5% renewable energy share by 2030. Portugal has been a leader in solar PV deployment, benefiting from feed-in tariffs and grid connection policies that encourage distributed generation. The 8 MW capacity places Coruche 3 in the small-to-medium scale category, typical for ground-mounted solar farms in the region. Environmentally, Coruche 3 contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. Solar PV installations have minimal operational emissions, though land use and visual impact are considerations. The facility's location in a rural area with moderate biodiversity may require careful site management to avoid habitat disruption. Overall, the plant plays a role in Portugal's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
Environmental context
The Coruche region features a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine, ideal for solar energy generation. Solar PV plants like Coruche 3 have a low environmental footprint during operation, with no air or water emissions. However, land use for solar arrays can affect local ecosystems and agricultural land. Proper siting and vegetation management can mitigate impacts on soil and wildlife. Portugal's renewable energy policies encourage such projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Frequently asked questions
Coruche 3 is a solar PV plant located near Coruche in the Santarém District of Portugal.
Coruche 3 has an installed capacity of 8 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar installation.
The operator of Coruche 3 is not publicly listed, but it is part of Portugal's growing solar PV fleet under national renewable energy programs.
Portugal follows the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, targeting 42.5% renewable energy by 2030, with national feed-in tariffs and grid connection policies for solar PV.
Coruche 3 generates clean electricity, reducing CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. Solar PV has minimal operational emissions and supports Portugal's carbon neutrality goals.