Quercus and Idanha-a-Nova council remain opposed to the revised Sophia solar project, despite Lightsource bp’s announcement of a smaller scheme and a programme of benefits for local communities.
The latest objections concern whether the proposed reductions adequately address the project’s environmental impact and its compatibility with the surrounding territory.
Quercus questions the changes
In a report published on 23 September, Notícias da Covilhã describes Quercus’s criticism of the revised proposal. The environmental association says it has not received enough information to verify most of the developer’s claims about the changes.
Quercus argues that reducing the project’s footprint does not resolve its concerns about wildlife habitats, biodiversity and the scale of development. These are the association’s objections, rather than findings from a completed assessment of the revised scheme.
Idanha-a-Nova maintains its opposition
In a separate statement dated 22 September, Idanha-a-Nova council reaffirmed its rejection of Sophia. It recalled its unfavourable opinion of 14 November 2025 and said financial compensation would not change its position.
The council also clarified that making the Centro Cultural Raiano available for a developer-led public session did not amount to support for the project.
Its preferred alternatives include using previously developed or degraded land, encouraging self-consumption and establishing smaller energy communities with benefits retained locally.
What the developer proposes
According to Lightsource bp’s announcement of 14 September, Sophia’s planned peak generating capacity would fall by 34%, from 867 to around 573 megawatts peak (MWp). Two proposed very high voltage lines would be replaced by one.
Reconquista, which examined a project summary and interviewed Portugal director Miguel Lobo, reports that all panels originally proposed for Fundão have been removed. Fundão would remain involved through the electricity connection.
The developer also proposes more than €20 million in community benefits, including energy, training and local support initiatives.
Another opportunity to comment
The Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente told Lusa, in reporting published by Observador, that revised documents must be submitted by 2 October 2026.
After receiving them, the agency will publish the documents through its environmental assessment system and Participa, followed by a public consultation lasting 10 working days. The assessment and consultation responses will inform the environmental decision on the modified project.
