SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

EDP launches Europe’s largest solar power plant in Portugal

EDP Renewables commissions the Cerca photovoltaic plant, marking a significant step forward in Portugal's energy transition with 202 MWp of capacity.

Share:

EDP centrale solaire Portugal

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

EDP Renewables ‘ Cerca plant in the Lisbon district is the company’s largest solar installation in Europe. With a capacity of 202 MWp, the plant is equipped with over 310,000 bifacial solar panels, optimizing the conversion of solar energy into electricity. The commissioning of Cerca is in line with EDP’s aim of playing a key role in Portugal’s energy transition, while the company also has plans to build a green hydrogen power plant in the country.

Responding to solar tenders

Cerca is the first large-capacity solar power plant developed by EDP Renewables following the 2019 public tender. This project testifies to EDP’s ability to build ambitious facilities in a complex context, marked by the challenges of the pandemic, geopolitical tensions and rising raw material costs. The plant directly supplies 100,000 homes, avoiding the emission of 170,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Environmental impact and contribution to the network

With an estimated annual output of 330 GWh, the Cerca plant makes a significant contribution to renewable energy production in Portugal. This project is part of EDP Renewables’ wider drive to accelerate energy transition and promote clean energy. By preventing the emission of millions of kilometers traveled by car, Cerca strengthens Portugal’s position in the fight against climate change.

Global expansion and investment in solar power

EDP Renewables is not limited to the Portuguese market, investing in solar power worldwide. Notable projects include installations in Brazil, Mexico and Vietnam, testifying to EDP’s global approach to the solar sector. By 2026, the company plans to devote half of its worldwide investments to solar projects.

In addition to solar installations, EDP is developing hybrid projects combining wind and solar power, as in Penela and Ansião. These initiatives aim to maximize the use of renewable resources and optimize connection to the electricity grid. EDP Renewables has set itself the target of bringing an additional 1 GW of renewable energy on stream in Portugal by 2026, reinforcing its contribution to the country’s decarbonization.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
PowerField adds 170 MWp by acquiring and building seven solar parks
Golar LNG refinances FLNG Gimi with $1.2bn seven-year bank loan
Novatek sells liquefied gas with 40% discount to China despite sanctions
Sinopec to invest $437 million in hydrotreatment unit in Algeria
PowerChina accelerates its investments in renewable energy in Africa
West Holdings and Toshiba partner to deliver integrated solar and storage services
West Holdings and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions will jointly develop turnkey services for solar power plants and large-scale battery storage, combining construction, grid management and production optimisation.
Potentia Energy secures federal approval for AUD1.3bn solar hybrid project
The Italo-Japanese group Potentia Energy has received environmental clearance for a 1 GW solar and battery hybrid park in New South Wales, estimated at AUD1.3bn ($858.9m).
Symphonics remotely controls solar plants to unlock new revenue streams
Symphonics enables photovoltaic operators to access RTE’s adjustment mechanism, offering new profitability in a context of slowdown in the solar sector in France.
Axpo commissions 200 MWp solar complex in northern Spain
Swiss group Axpo has completed a four-plant photovoltaic complex in León province, totalling 200 MWp of capacity, and is preparing its grid connection for early 2026.
Swift Solar and Plenitude launch industrial testing for tandem solar technology
Swift Solar begins a strategic collaboration with Plenitude to test its tandem perovskite solar technology at industrial scale, targeting deployment in large-scale photovoltaic projects.
Sojitz develops 44 MW solar plant in Wakayama without public support
Sojitz plans to deliver a 44.2 MWDC solar plant in Wakayama by December 2027, funded outside the feed-in tariff scheme and aimed at direct power sale contracts.
US imposes 50% tariffs on Indian solar modules, disrupting export flows
US tariff measures shake up Indian solar module exports, exposing the industry to structural overcapacity risks and forcing New Delhi to redirect its industrial strategy.
SolarX secures €15mn in debt from Afrigreen for C&I projects in West Africa
SolarX secures €15mn in senior debt from Afrigreen to refinance solar commercial assets in four francophone countries, consolidating Franco-European financial presence in a strategic and growing market.
STMicroelectronics signs 15-year solar power deal with TSE in France
STMicroelectronics has signed a 15-year agreement with solar producer TSE to supply 780 GWh of electricity to its French sites starting in 2027.
Pakistan forecasts solar surplus on grid in key industrial areas by 2026
The rise of residential solar in Pakistan could push some industrial regions into net-negative grid demand as early as next year, prompting a revision of tariffs and liquefied natural gas import contracts.
Floating solar market to hit $84.9mn by 2032 driven by Asia and Europe
Global floating solar capacity exceeded 1.8 GW in 2024, driven by utility-scale projects in China, India, Japan and Europe, with sustained growth expected through 2032.
Cypress Creek secures financing for 505 MW solar project in Texas
Cypress Creek Renewables begins construction of the Hanson Solar project in Texas, backed by structured financing combining debt and equity, to support the ERCOT grid and supply Meta’s operations.
India’s solar industry enters critical phase of forced consolidation
Facing massive overcapacity, US tariff pressures and rapid technological change, India's solar module sector is preparing for major industrial restructuring dominated by a few integrated groups.
Econergy connects 52MW solar park in Poland under contract with Apple
Econergy has connected its 52MW solar project in Resko, Poland, to the grid, supported by a 19-year virtual power purchase agreement signed with Apple.
Green Growth and K2 convert a FIT solar plant to FIP with storage
Green Growth and K2 Holdings begin converting a solar park to an FIP scheme, including battery installation, to improve profitability in a region heavily affected by production curtailment.
Arevon launches $200mn solar plant construction in Illinois
Arevon Energy has initiated construction of its first utility-scale solar project in Illinois, with a 124-megawatt capacity and $200mn in private investment to support U.S. energy demand.
Neoen divests 760 MW of operational assets to Plenitude in France
French renewable energy producer Neoen has signed an agreement with Plenitude to sell 52 assets totalling 760 MW of capacity on the French market.
France: the government launches an observatory to monitor 1,600 agrivoltaic projects
A national tool led by ADEME lists agrivoltaic installations across France to support their regulatory oversight, as the sector sees rapid growth following the 2023 law.
VALOREM commits 500 hours of job inclusion on its solar park in Aveyron
The construction site of the future photovoltaic park in La Couvertoirade plans to hire four people in job inclusion, as part of a partnership between VALOREM and the Union Départementale des Structures d’Insertion par l’Activité Économique de l’Aveyron.
Abraxas begins Solar City works, Maldives’ first special economic zone project
Abraxas Power Corp. has launched land reclamation operations for Solar City, a 100-megawatt floating solar project in the Maldives, following environmental approval. The total zone investment exceeds USD187mn.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.