Lisbon energy community expands with third solar phase

The Telheiras/Lumiar Renewable Energy Community (CER), one of Portugal's first citizen-led energy schemes and the only active one in Lisbon district, is starting a third growth phase. About 142 solar panels will be installed at a primary school in Telheiras, adding to earlier installations at a former olive mill and a sports pavilion. The expansion will offer roughly 240 new membership slots to households, businesses and condominiums, allowing them to buy locally produced renewable electricity at a discount, with an estimated payback period of about three years. Sign-ups run until 31 July.