Marinha Grande council wants renewables capped at 1% of land

The Marinha Grande council has formally responded to the national renewable energy acceleration zones programme (PSZAER), proposing that only 187.25 hectares, or 1% of the municipality's territory, be designated for solar energy. It asks that all other previously proposed zones be excluded, arguing they overlap with administrative easements, urban expansion areas, industrial zones, environmental protections and infrastructure corridors. The council says the town's strong industrial base and large ICNF-managed area limit available land. Mayor Paulo Vicente called the position balanced, seeking to reconcile decarbonisation goals with local economic and territorial interests.