Sophia solar project reformulated, but environmentalists continue to fear serious impacts

Environmental groups continue to oppose the Sophia solar power plant project in the Castelo Branco district, arguing that even with a 34% reduction in installed capacity, the plant would cause significant damage to protected cork and holm oak trees and ecological corridors. The project, which covers parts of Fundão, Idanha-a-Nova, and Penamacor, remains under environmental impact assessment after a second public consultation period concluded on 22 October.