BNZ, the independent power producer focused on next-generation renewable energy development, has inaugurated its second solar photovoltaic plant in northern Portugal, a facility located in the municipality of Trofa in the district of Porto.

The commissioning of the Muro plant marks a further step in the company's expansion across the Iberian country and its broader push into European renewable energy markets.

Muro Plant Specifications and Clean Energy Output

The Muro facility has an installed capacity of 28.37 megawatt-peak and is projected to generate approximately 43.68 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. According to BNZ, the clean energy produced by the plant will prevent the emission of more than 4,890 tons of carbon dioxide per year, a figure the company says directly supports the decarbonization of the local economy.

The plant was delivered under an engineering, procurement, and construction contract developed jointly with Proef. Strategic partners on the project included Andersen, Enertis, and TripleWatt. The inauguration ceremony was attended by representatives of local authorities, commercial partners, local associations, and various collaborators.

Portugal as a Strategic Investment Market

BNZ has identified Portugal as one of its core strategic markets and has committed to investing up to USD 696 million in the country to deploy a portfolio of nine solar plants.

The Muro facility is the second operational project in Portugal, following the Famalicão plant located in the Gemunde area, also in the north of the country, which carries an installed capacity of 49 megawatt-peak.

Luis Selva, CEO of BNZ, described the Muro plant's commissioning as a new step in the company's growth strategy in both Portugal and Europe. "This project demonstrates our capacity to develop renewable infrastructures that generate clean energy, drive local development, and contribute to energy independence," Selva said.

"We will continue to bet on innovation, hybridization, and storage as key elements for advancing toward a more resilient and sustainable energy system."

Jordi Francesch, Head of Global Asset Management at Nuveen Infrastructure, also commented at the event, stating that the European energy transition requires sustained investment, public-private collaboration, and a long-term vision.

He described Muro as an example of how renewable projects can generate tangible benefits for local communities, boost economic competitiveness, and contribute to climate goals in Portugal and across Europe.

The Mayor of Vila Nova de Famalicão, Sergio Araujo, called the photovoltaic plant a source of pride for the municipality of Trofa. "We want this to be just the beginning of a lasting relationship, where Trofa continues to establish itself as a location of excellence to invest, innovate, and build a more sustainable future for Portugal," Araujo said.

Battery Storage and Grid Hybridization Plans

Beyond solar generation, BNZ has announced plans to deploy 100 megawatts of battery storage capacity across Portugal as part of its asset hybridization strategy. Of that total, 60 megawatts are concentrated in the north of the country.

The company says this storage deployment is intended to provide flexibility to the electrical system, optimize the integration of renewable energy, and contribute to a more stable and efficient grid.

This approach to combining generation assets with storage infrastructure reflects what BNZ describes as its next-generation independent power producer model, which goes beyond traditional electricity production to offer more integrated energy management capabilities.

Wider European Portfolio and Development Pipeline

The Muro inauguration is positioned within BNZ's broader strategy to develop a multi-technology renewable portfolio across Europe. The company currently has more than 2.7 gigawatts of projects in various phases of development, construction, and operation, spanning solar, wind, and storage technologies. BNZ has framed this pipeline as a contribution to European energy security and the continent's wider decarbonization ambitions.

Local Employment and Community Initiatives

BNZ has also outlined a series of community-focused activities connected to the Muro project. During the development and construction phases, the company said it prioritized the hiring of local professionals and companies from the Trofa region.

On the social side, BNZ provided financial support for the inauguration of the Residência Villa Cordis, a care facility managed by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia da Trofa. The center, described as being surrounded by nature, will accommodate 50 residents and offer specialized care to people with dementia.

The company also stated that it collaborates in Portugal with the Ayuda en Acción Foundation through a program called Jovens em Acção, which is aimed at fostering the education, training, and employability of young people in vulnerable situations.

BNZ described these social commitments as consistent with its integration of environmental, social, and governance practices across all its projects, and with its broader conviction that energy transition must advance alongside social development.

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