- Akuo’s Santas solar plant in Portugal, with 181 MWp capacity, powers over 100,000 homes and reduces CO2 emissions by 70,000 tons annually.
- The plant, part of a 540 MWc solar portfolio, operates in Monforte, Borba, and Estremoz, supported by MEAG and Eiffel Investment Group.
- A crowdfunding campaign aims to raise 1 million euros for a 45 MW expansion, promoting community involvement in Portugal’s renewable energy goals.
Akuo has inaugurated the Santas solar power plant in Portugal’s Alentejo region. With a capacity of 181 MWp, it ranks among the country’s most extensive solar facilities. The plant supplies power to over 100,000 homes and cuts CO2 emissions by more than 70,000 tons annually.
The plant, which spans the municipalities of Monforte, Borba, and Estremoz, forms part of Akuo’s broader 540 MWc solar portfolio in Portugal. The Portuguese government awarded the project in 2019, with MEAG and Eiffel Investment Group providing financial backing. The plant began feeding electricity into the grid in May 2024 and reached total capacity by summer.
The plant features 336,448 photovoltaic modules mounted on trackers to enhance efficiency. It generates energy at competitive rates by benefiting from 2,030 hours of sunlight annually. This output helps meet Portugal’s growing energy needs while supporting the country’s Energy & Climate Plan 2030. Portugal aims to increase renewable energy capacity to 42.8 GW by 2030, far above its current 3.7 GW of photovoltaics and plans to source 85% of electricity from renewables.
Akuo prioritises sustainability throughout the project. The Santas plant generates just 27gCO2e per kWh, well below the European solar average of 44gCO2e/kWh. This achievement stems from careful material selection and efficient water use, which protect the local ecosystem.
Beyond energy production, Akuo invests in the local community. Its foundation launched support programs for elderly and mentally disabled residents in Monforte. These efforts meet legal compensation requirements and integrate the plant’s operations with local needs. Environmental monitoring minimises disruptions to bird migration along a key corridor.
Akuo also announced a crowdfunding campaign through its AkuoCoop by Lendosphere platform. The campaign seeks to raise 1 million euros to fund a 45 MW expansion of the Santas plant. The project invites European citizens, focusing on Portuguese residents and businesses, to contribute to the region’s energy transition.
Eric Scotto, Akuo’s chairman, highlighted the plant’s role in driving local development and delivering economic returns to investors. He emphasised the importance of the partnership with MEAG and Eiffel Investment Group.
Portugal continues to lead Europe’s clean energy transition through projects like the Santas solar power plant. These initiatives help the country meet ambitious climate goals while providing social and environmental benefits.
The inauguration of the Santas plant marks a significant step forward for Akuo and Portugal in their shared commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.