Lightsource BP trims Sophia solar park and offers local benefits to ease opposition
Lightsource BP has cut the size of the planned Sophia photovoltaic complex in Beira Baixa and introduced a package of local incentives to address community concerns.
The Sophia solar project, originally one of Portugal’s largest proposals, will now generate 573 MW instead of its initial capacity, occupying 258 ha rather than a larger area, and will forgo one of its two planned high-voltage connections. Panels will be placed mainly in Penamacor and Idanha-a-Nova, with a 22-km line crossing Fundão. To mitigate opposition, the promoter presented a suite of community measures worth tens of millions of euros, such as a shared-light scheme offering up to 45% savings on electricity bills, a €8 million local social investment fund, and a €1.8 million program to create a merino-sheep bank and support beekeeping.
Additional actions include ecological corridors, tree-planting commitments, and support for young farmers. Construction is not slated to begin before 2029, with the project still awaiting a favorable environmental impact decision. The company says the redesign maintains economic viability while respecting local environmental and social concerns.
