The latest public consultation on the revised Sophia solar project closed on 21 October. Campaigners report nearly 8,000 submissions, while Fundão council has formally issued a negative opinion on the revised proposal.
Beira Baixa TV reported the participation figure on 23 October, citing an announcement by Cidadãos pela Beira Baixa (CPBB). An official closing report confirming the final total and the balance of responses was not available on the consultation page reviewed. The reported number should therefore not be presented as a count of individual opponents. Beira Baixa TV
Objections remain
CPBB argues that the redesign has not resolved its concerns about effects on the landscape, wildlife, local communities and the regional economy. These are the movement’s objections, rather than conclusions from the environmental assessment.
Fundão council confirms that solar panels have been removed from its territory and the future Regadio Gardunha Sul area avoided. However, it says the remaining power line would still affect agricultural and forestry land. It wants a rigorous comparison of alternative routes, clear information for affected owners and fair compensation. Beira Baixa TV
What the developer proposes
According to Lightsource bp, the revised project reduces planned generating capacity from 867 to 573 megawatts peak (MWp) and replaces two proposed very high voltage lines with one.
The company says the changes respond to technical assessments and concerns raised locally. In its statement marking the consultation’s closure, it committed to keeping the revised project documents available online and continuing dialogue with communities. Lightsource bp
Assessment continues
The official consultation ran from 8 to 21 October as part of the Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente’s environmental assessment.
Closing the consultation does not authorise construction. The submissions and technical opinions remain part of the assessment process. Lightsource bp acknowledges that contributions will be examined by the competent authorities and do not, by themselves, determine the outcome. The documents reviewed do not establish a final environmental decision on the revised scheme. projeto reformulado
