BNZ, an independent power producer (IPP) that designs, builds, and runs solar PV projects, has received permission from the North Region of Portugal to begin construction on a solar PV plant with a capacity of 49MWp in the Ave intermunicipal community. The facility is expected to be operating in 2023, according to BNZ. This will be BNZ's first plant in Portugal, where it plans to build a total capacity of over 400MWp by 2024. BNZ has a total completely allowed capacity of 147MWp throughout all regions.
The electricity production of this project would be able to supply the annual electricity needs of around 14,000 people, the equivalent of one third of Evora’s population. The clean energy produced at this plant will avoid 21,500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions per year, which is about 37,000 Lisbon – London roundtrip flights. In addition, BNZ estimates that it will create between 270 and 370 direct and indirect jobs by 2024.
The production of reliable and affordable photovoltaic solar energy located in our country will avoid the importation of fossil fuels such as natural gas from third countries. This will result in greater energy independence and security of supply, in addition to improving environmental sustainability. For example, the energy produced by this BNZ project will save the use of 14 million m3 per year of natural gas that were to be consumed by combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plants to generate the same amount of energy.
BNZ is committed to environmental and social progress of the local communities where the company installs its plants. Therefore, in addition to the positive economic impact of the facilities on the local community and its compliance with the maximum environmental criteria, BNZ will collaborate with the local authorities on social projects currently under development.
Around this first plant at Portugal, BNZ adds its support to the PT2020-backed social project “Cuidar Maior”, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão, in Portugal’s Norte region. This social project is an individualized and personalized intervention program that aims at shedding light and bringing the necessary attention to those in need, because many families in the community are caring for members with special needs, from dementia or Alzheimer to motor or psychomotor issues, oftentimes left fending for themselves.
Managing Director of BNZ, Luis Selva, added: “The company’s main objective is the production of 100% clean energy to help achieve a low carbon future, and Portugal is a priority market for BNZ with strong growth potential in the generation of renewable technologies such as solar PV”.
Board Member of BNZ, Jordi Francesch, said: “BNZ responds to the demands of environmental necessity, helping to tackle climate change and ensuring compliance with the strictest ESG criteria, while offering a long-term vision to local communities”.
BNZ has been advised by the Corporate, Commercial and M&A department of Sérvulo –led by Pedro Silveira Borges– in the legal authorization process for this project.
