Local Politics
Quercus calls for mass participation in public consultation for Sophia solar power plant
Environmental group Quercus is urging public participation in the consultation for the redesigned Sophia photovoltaic plant project in Castelo Branco, which is currently open. The project, planned for Fundão, Penamacor, and Idanha-a-Nova, has seen a 34% reduction in power and a 35% reduction in area, though Quercus warns that current laws allow for a future 50% power expansion without a new Environmental Impact Assessment. The consultation is scheduled to end on 21 October, though local platforms have requested an urgent extension from the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) due to the limited timeframe.
Why it matters
If you live in the municipalities of Fundão, Penamacor, or Idanha-a-Nova, you have until the end of today, 21 October, to participate in the public consultation regarding this major infrastructure project if you wish to formally voice concerns about its impact on local water, land, and biodiversity.Useful?
