Rewilding Portugal opposes 3,500-hectare Fundão-Penamacor solar project

Rewilding Portugal has formally opposed the SOPHIA solar plant and its high-voltage lines, planned across Fundão, Penamacor and Idanha-a-Nova, during public consultation. The project would occupy over 3,500 hectares, sealing 434 with panels, and cross zones near the Serra da Gardunha Natura 2000 site and the Naturtejo Geopark. The organisation's environmental impact study review found 231 vertebrate species, 30 threatened, plus rare flora, and warns the plant would sever ecological corridors linking Gardunha, Raia and Malcata. Proposed compensation measures are deemed insufficient. The group is urging the government to reject the project and instead incentivise solar panels on already artificialised land and public buildings.