Gigantic hybrid projects by Lightsource bp and Endesa in Portugal
n recent years, Portugal has become one of the fastest-growing renewable energy markets in Europe. This dynamic progress is underscored by two new hybrid projects, with a combined storage capacity exceeding 630 MWh.
Lightsource bp takes another step toward launching the Sophia project
A project already hailed as one of the most ambitious in the history of Portuguese solar energy has appeared on the Participa portal of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA). Lightsource bp, a global leader in photovoltaics, plans to build the Sophia complex — a solar power plant with a capacity of 867.148 MWp, combined with an energy storage system of 300 MWh.
The storage facility will be based on 60 battery containers from the Chinese manufacturer Sungrow, model ST5015UX-4H, each offering 5 MWh of capacity. The project is currently undergoing public consultation (open until November 20), and its total value is estimated at €590 million.
The investment will cover three municipalities — Fundão, Idanha-a-Nova, and Penamacor — in the Castelo Branco district. Lightsource bp emphasizes that the initiative includes an extensive land restoration and landscape integration plan, featuring:
- rehabilitation and reforestation of 228 ha,
- conversion of 135 ha currently occupied by eucalyptus trees,
- restoration of riparian vegetation, creation of hedgerows and green corridors,
- support for natural regeneration of steppe and grassland habitats,
- enhancement of species mobility and erosion control.
The Sophia project is designed as a model of sustainable solar development, combining high energy performance with care for biodiversity and landscape values.
Lightsource bp’s activity in Portugal aligns with the company’s broader global strategy — integrating renewable energy projects with corporate and financial partnerships worldwide.
One of the most notable examples is its collaboration with Apple Inc. to support renewable energy projects across Europe. Simultaneously, the company continues to expand in the United States, including the 187 MW Peacock Solar project in Texas.
Endesa and the Pego Cluster
The second project currently undergoing environmental assessment is Atalaia Solar, part of the Pego hybrid cluster, managed by the Spanish company Endesa. This initiative combines solar, wind, energy storage, and green hydrogen production.
Endesa already holds a grid connection permit for:
- 365 MWp of solar capacity,
- 264 MW of wind power,
- 168.6 MW / 337 MWh of energy storage, and
- a 500 kW electrolyzer for green hydrogen production.
In the updated version of the project, its footprint has been reduced by 50 ha by lowering the solar capacity to 330 MW while increasing the wind component to 360 MW.
As a result, the Pego Cluster is becoming one of the most complex multi-technology energy systems in Europe.
Portugal as a leader in hybrid renewable energy solutions
Portugal is consistently investing in hybrid renewable projects with integrated energy storage. This strategy is particularly crucial now that renewable sources exceed 70% of the national energy mix, and days with negative electricity prices are becoming increasingly common.
The ability to store and flexibly manage excess generation is essential for maintaining both profitability and grid stability.
The new projects from Lightsource bp and Endesa illustrate how major energy corporations are coordinating technological development with environmental and social policies, setting a new standard for sustainable energy in Europe.