Overview
Loures is a 5.9 MW operational solar PV facility in Portugal, contributing to the country's renewable energy capacity under the EU Renewable Energy Directive III framework.
Loures is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Portugal, with an installed capacity of 5.9 megawatts. The facility is operational and plays a role in the local renewable energy landscape, supporting Portugal's transition to cleaner energy sources. As a solar PV installation, Loures converts sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic panels. Portugal has been actively expanding its solar capacity, supported by national targets aligned with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, which sets a 42.5% renewable energy share by 2030. The plant's capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale range for solar farms in the region. The facility contributes to grid stability and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Solar PV plants like Loures have a low environmental footprint during operation, though they require land use and can impact local ecosystems. The plant's location in Portugal benefits from high solar irradiation, making it an efficient contributor to the country's renewable energy goals.
Environmental context
Solar PV installations like Loures require land area for panel arrays, which can affect local habitats and land use. In Portugal, solar farms are often sited in rural or semi-urban areas, balancing energy production with agricultural or natural landscapes. The facility's operation produces no direct emissions, supporting climate goals, but grid integration and energy storage remain key challenges for solar power.
Frequently asked questions
The Loures solar PV plant is located in Portugal, with coordinates approximately 38.8720° N, -9.1088° E.
The Loures solar plant has an installed capacity of 5.9 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale solar photovoltaic facility.
Yes, the Loures solar plant is currently operational and generating electricity from solar energy.
Portugal's solar energy development is supported by the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, which targets a 42.5% renewable energy share by 2030, along with national feed-in tariffs and grid connection policies.
Solar PV plants produce electricity without direct greenhouse gas emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. They also have low water consumption and can be integrated into existing landscapes with minimal operational pollution.