Portugal opens major solar plant

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6505221.stm

Portugal opens major solar plant

The solar energy plant at Serpa, Portugal
The solar power plant is in one of Europe's sunniest areas
Portugal has inaugurated what it says is the world's most powerful
solar power plant.

The array of electricity-generating solar panels covers about 60
hectares (150 acres) in one of Europe's sunniest areas in southern
Portugal.

Officials say the plant should produce enough energy to supply 8,000
homes.

The plant is part of Portugal's efforts to cut its reliance on
imported fuel and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that add to
global warming.

The plant is also meant to bring development and jobs to the Alentejo
region 200km (125 miles) southeast of Lisbon, a poor area
traditionally dominated by cork and olive production.

Renewable energy drive

The 11-megawatt plant has 52,000 photovoltaic modules, which will
produce 20 gigawatt hours of power each year.

Burning fossil fuels to generate the same amount of energy would
result in 30,000 tons of greenhouse gases being emitted over the
course of a year.

"This project is successful because Portugal's sunshine is plentiful,
the solar power technology is proven [and] government policies are
supportive," said Kevin Walsh of Renewable Energy GE, which built the
project.

The facility was designed by PowerLight which will also operates and
maintains it.

Portugal is developing wind, solar and wave power projects as part of
a plan to invest $10bn (£5bn) in renewable energy over the next five
years.

Prime Minister Jose Socrates has said he wants 45% of Portugal's power
consumption to come from renewable energy by 2010.