Alentejo water utility goes solar
Águas Públicas do Alentejo is investing nearly 1.8 million euros in 15 photovoltaic units across Beja, Évora and Setúbal. Around 80% of the energy will power its own water and wastewater facilities.
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12 June 2026
Good morning! Today's Pulse leans heavily on clean energy and water utilities going solar, with hopeful wildlife news from the coast and a few stories asking for our attention.
Self-sufficiency goal for 2030
AgdA's design-build tender for solar self-consumption is part of its decarbonisation plan, aiming for full renewable energy self-sufficiency by 2030.
Fifteen new generation units
AgdA will build 15 photovoltaic units across treatment plants and pumping stations, spread over several Alentejo districts.
Energy community in Matosinhos
INDAQUA launched its first energy community with 473 new solar panels at the Custóias reservoir, generating 400 MWh a year and raising local self-sufficiency to 42%.
10 million euros for electric vehicles
The Environment Ministry opened applications for a 10 million euro incentive programme for zero-emission cars, e-bikes, motorcycles and chargers, open until 27 July.
Smart EV charging in Funchal
Funchal is hosting a two-day electric mobility event under the European Ahead project, which uses AI and bidirectional charging stations to advance EV infrastructure.
Six sea turtles back home
After months of rehabilitation at Zoomarine, six juvenile loggerhead turtles were released off Portimão, each fitted with a satellite tracker to follow their journeys.
Children meet the camarinha
Young students explored the Sagres coast to learn about the rare camarinha plant, found only in Portugal and Spain, and the threat from invasive species.
Portugal's first Animal Congress
The University of Algarve hosts the country's first Animal Congress on 19 June, gathering over 200 participants around animal ethics, science and sustainability.
Sea levels threaten the coast
Two studies warn that extreme coastal events are becoming far more frequent, with Portugal identified as especially vulnerable and warming faster than most regions.
Clearing storm-damaged forest
Winter storms damaged over 32,000 hectares of forest in the centre. The government will prioritise clearing 19% near homes and roads to reduce fire risk.
Cameras to watch the forest
Abrantes approved a protocol with the Judiciary Police to install seven mobile surveillance cameras in fire-prone forest areas for early detection.
Storm Kristin tested the grid
Storm Kristin's fierce winds damaged the north-south transmission link, forcing the south to draw electricity from Spain and highlighting the value of Iberian cooperation.
Borralha mine taken to court
The Povo e Natureza do Barroso association is legally challenging the environmental approval of the Borralha tungsten mine, citing risks to water, ecosystems and health near Peneda-Gerês.
Barroso lithium works suspended
A court ordered the temporary suspension of Savannah's geotechnical works on the Barroso lithium project, following an injunction. The company hopes to resume soon.
Second-hand fashion grows
KIABI expanded its second-hand clothing offer to 33 Iberian stores, making circular fashion a structural part of its model rather than a side project.
Portugal cooks with most energy
Eurostat data shows Portugal leads the EU in the share of home energy used for cooking, over 30%, while spending little on heating and relying on a cleaner energy mix.
Loulé's urban trees shine in Europe
Loulé and CEiiA's digital platform quantifying the benefits of urban trees was selected for the New European Bauhaus Festival in Faro.
Country's biggest vegan fair returns
FAVA, billed as Portugal's largest vegan and sustainability fair, returns to Loulé in September with over 100 activities, a solar ovens gathering and a biological market. Applications are open.
Free aquaculture training platform
The European AQUATECHinn 4.0 platform, offering 120 hours of free certified aquaculture training in seven languages, will be presented at the University of Algarve on 17 June.
Soil sciences meeting in Coimbra
The 2026 Soil Sciences Meeting in Coimbra extended its registration deadline to 20 June, focusing on sustainable soil management for healthy agroecosystems.
Only one in three farms their own land
Portugal's Sustainable Development Goals report reveals only 34.4% of farmers work land they own, pointing to significant land tenure challenges.
Fighting bulls and the montado
An opinion piece argues that fighting bull breeding helps preserve around 100,000 hectares of montado woodland, framing it as a form of regenerative agriculture.
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