CER-UÉ Participates in Solar Photovoltaic Forum to Discuss Energy Transition

Academia, public administration, the private sector and civil society gathered to discuss the energy transition at the Solar Photovoltaic Forum.

On October 23, 2024, the Solar Photovoltaic Forum was held under the theme “Promoting a Balanced Energy Transition through Multisectoral Collaboration.” The event was organized by the Associated Laboratory CHANGE, coordinated by the University of Évora’s MED, in collaboration with the Alentejo Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR Alentejo, IP) and the Renewable Energies Chair of University of Évora (CER-UÉ).

Held at the CCDR Alentejo headquarters in Évora, the event brought together 40 participants from various sectors (academia, public administration, NGOs, associations, and energy sector promoters) and focused on the importance of using an integrated, multisectoral approach for implementing photovoltaic plants. Key topics included environmental, social, and economic challenges and opportunities.

Among the various activities (plenary session, roundtable, and participatory workshops), essential issues were highlighted, such as the importance of coordinated participation from decision-makers, academia, the private sector, and civil society in photovoltaic projects from their inception. The need for ongoing monitoring of the impacts of centralized photovoltaic installations was also emphasized, focusing on nature conservation, restoration of natural resources, and socioeconomic impacts, along with strengthening knowledge in this area. Additionally, the need was identified for new or adapted policy instruments and mechanisms, such as monitoring and evaluation commissions, tailored to meet the demands of energy transition, ecological restoration, nature conservation, integrated territorial management, and social justice.

In the event’s opening, Carmen Carvalheira (Vice President of CCDR Alentejo, IP), Pedro Horta (Renewable Energies Chair of University of Évora), and Susana Filipe (Executive Director of the Associated Laboratory CHANGE) emphasized the need for partnerships and discussions among academia, NGOs, associations, public administration, and the private sector to define essential elements for a balanced energy transition that serves everyone. This transition should respond to environmental impact mitigation challenges, ensure balanced and integrated territorial management, and support ecosystem preservation and restoration, considering all relevant social and economic aspects.

In her presentation, “The Sustainability of Energy Transition in Portugal,” Júlia Seixas (Professor at NOVA/FCT, Researcher at CENSE/CHANGE, and Pro-Rector for Sustainability at NOVA) discussed Portugal’s energy needs and targets for the energy transition by 2030. She reiterated the importance of the social dimension in developing an integrated and sustainable energy transition and highlighted the importance of shared management in developing and implementing renewable energy within the context of current climate change.

In their presentation on “Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing Energy Production and Storage Centers on Rural Land in Alentejo,” Sara Rodrigues and Joana Dourado (CCDRA, IP) addressed the need for awareness and reflection on relevant factors when defining land-use criteria for photovoltaic power centers, listing several qualitative and quantitative criteria to optimize land use while protecting natural and cultural resources.

During the subsequent roundtable discussion, with participants including Cristina Branquinho (cE3c/CHANGE/FCUL), Luis Fialho (Chair of Renewable Energies, University of Évora), Jorge Mayer (EDP), Miguel Sequeira (GEOTA), Sara Freitas (APREN), and Fátima Baptista (MED/CHANGE /UÉ), the conversation centered on the need to optimize technology, land, and infrastructure to maximize the benefits of solar energy installations. The discussion explored and developed concepts such as agrivoltaics, ecovoltaics, energy decentralization, and energy communities.

Following this event and based on discussions from the plenary sessions and participatory workshop, a Policy Brief will be prepared with specific recommendations for policy instruments and governance to support the integrated implementation of photovoltaic plants adapted to the territory, particularly in Alentejo, which faces significant pressure for such installations while meeting Portugal’s renewable energy transition goals.