Sonnedix Commissions 36.8 MW Lousada Solar Plant, Exceeding 300 MW Operational Capacity in Portugal

Sonnedix, a global renewable energy company with more than 4 GW of operating capacity worldwide, has announced the start of operations of Sonnedix Lousada (CSF Paredes), a 36.8 MW photovoltaic solar plant located in the municipality of Paredes, in Portugal’s Porto district.

With the Lousada project entering commercial operations in mid-December, Sonnedix has surpassed 300 MW of operational capacity in Portugal, reinforcing its presence in a market it entered in 2022 and which continues to demonstrate strong growth potential. The project adds to the company’s existing Portuguese portfolio, which includes the Douro (150 MW), Bustelo (23.8 MW) and Lordelo (14.7 MW) solar plants commissioned during the first half of 2025.

The Lousada project was developed with a strong focus on local integration and community engagement. Sonnedix worked closely with local authorities and neighbouring communities to adapt the project to the surrounding landscape and address local priorities. A €1 million site integration plan will be implemented to support environmental conservation and sustainable development, enhancing the area’s ecological and social value.

Once fully operational, the plant is expected to generate clean electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 18,300 households and avoid approximately 19,600 tonnes of CO₂e emissions per year.

Looking ahead, Sonnedix is advancing a strategy to hybridise its renewable portfolio, combining solar and wind generation with battery energy storage systems (BESS) to provide greater flexibility and improved alignment with market demand. The company’s first hybrid projects in Portugal are scheduled to begin operations in 2026.

Commenting on the milestone, Axel Thiemann, CEO of Sonnedix, said the commissioning of Lousada underscores the company’s continued growth and operational capability in Portugal, adding that hybrid solutions will play an increasingly important role in strengthening system flexibility.

Beatriz Llorente, Head of Growth Iberia, noted that Portugal has become a key market for Sonnedix in Europe, with the company’s total portfolio in the country now exceeding 700 MW of capacity, including projects under development.