The national environmental authority's decision, announced on October 24th, is based on the identification of significant and unmitigable negative impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, landscape, and territory. The project, promoted by Energiekontor Portugal, planned the installation of a solar photovoltaic plant with approximately 25,038 panels over an area of 21.3 hectares.
The Municipality of Baião had already issued an unfavorable opinion in April 2026, warning about the project's incompatibility with the preservation of natural, landscape, and cultural values, particularly due to its location in protected areas like Natura 2000 and the Regional Protected Landscape of Serra da Aboboreira. Risks to species such as the Iberian wolf and archaeological heritage were also highlighted.
APA concluded that, despite the benefits of renewable energy, the identified negative impacts do not allow for the project's compatibility with environmental and territorial protection. The environmental authority considered that alterations to the project would likely maintain the main negative impacts due to the area's ecological and landscape sensitivity.
During the public consultation, held between March and April, 666 submissions were received, with the majority of participating citizens expressing opposition to the photovoltaic plant. The Municipality of Baião acknowledges the importance of the energy transition but advocates that the installation of renewable infrastructure must respect territorial characteristics. Baião already contributes to renewable energy production, exceeding its municipal energy consumption by 21.74% in 2025.
The Mayor of Baião, Ana Raquel Azevedo, expressed satisfaction with the APA's decision, reiterating the municipality's willingness to collaborate in finding sustainable energy solutions that balance energy production with nature conservation and heritage protection.
