Polish company R.Power, a leading player in solar energy across Europe, has reinforced its commitment to Portugal with the launch of two new photovoltaic parks in the Algarve municipalities of Lagos and Portimão.

Together, these solar installations have a combined capacity of 8.4 megawatts-peak (MWp) and are expected to generate approximately 17 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually. That is enough energy to power thousands of homes while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions, a key step as Portugal continues to push forward its green energy transition.

Portugal has been identified by R.Power as a strategic market for its expansion across the Iberian Peninsula. With favorable sun exposure, a supportive regulatory environment, and strong demand for sustainable energy, the country is becoming an increasingly attractive hub for international investment in renewables.

The Lagos plant, the larger of the two, has an installed capacity of 6 MWp and comprises more than 9,000 solar panels spread across 9 hectares. It is estimated to generate around 12 GWh of solar energy per year. The Portimão facility, slightly smaller at 2.4 MWp, consists of 4,000 panels over 6 hectares and is expected to contribute 5 GWh annually to the national grid.

Both projects are equipped with solar trackers, a technology that follows the sun’s trajectory throughout the day, thereby optimizing panel alignment and maximizing energy output. This approach not only improves efficiency but also demonstrates R.Power’s commitment to using innovative solutions in its international operations.

With these new installations, R.Power now operates 10 connected solar parks in Portugal. The company’s presence in the country began accelerating in 2024, with the inauguration of other facilities in Tremês, Alhais, Elvas, and Arada, which together add 27 MWp to the national renewable energy capacity.

Looking ahead, R.Power has ambitious plans: it intends to add another 100 MWp of solar capacity in Portugal in the coming years. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to scale its Iberian portfolio and establish itself as a long-term player in Southern Europe’s clean energy landscape.

For the Algarve, this represents more than just megawatts and investment figures. The arrival and expansion of a major Polish company signal growing international confidence in the region, not just as a tourism destination but as a viable location for sustainable infrastructure and green innovation. It also reinforces Lagos and Portimão’s role in supporting Portugal’s national goals for decarbonization and energy independence.

As the country continues to lead by example in Europe’s renewable energy transition, local projects like these highlight how global partnerships can help drive local impact, reducing emissions, creating jobs, and contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future.

With its sunny climate and growing technological capabilities, the Algarve is proving to be fertile ground not only for agriculture and tourism, but also for a clean energy revolution.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes