City more than triples solar energy production

10/02/2025

Porto continues to progress towards carbon neutrality: in 2024, the city set a new record by reaching 2.1 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of solar energy production, more than three times the amount recorded the previous year.

This was possible thanks to the installation of new photovoltaic energy systems in municipal buildings, and the efficient management and maintenance of the equipment by the municipal company Águas e Energia do Porto.

The expansion of the photovoltaic network was particularly important. Buildings such as the Trindade car park, the Carvalhido general workshops, the Porto Fire Brigade station, the Freixo wastewater treatment plant and several schools received new units, contributing to a total installed power of two megawatt-peak (MWp).

The municipality’s energy development strategy aims not only to increase efficiency in electricity consumption, but also to continue reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the Climate Pact objectives.

Sobreiras wastewater treatment plant starts producing clean energy

One of the most significant projects was the installation of solar panels at the Sobreiras wastewater treatment plant, in 2024. The site has already started operating and generating clean energy to power the wastewater treatment plant.

With 635 solar panels and a capacity of 387 kilowatt-peak (KWp), the Sobreiras WWTP now produces part of its own energy, contributing to the sustainability of its operations. The estimated production is 600 megawatt-hour (MWh) per year, representing savings of around 80,000 euros per year on the energy bill.

This project is a clear example of how the city’s electrical infrastructure is being modernised to promote renewable energy production and reduce Porto’s environmental footprint.