The Minister for Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, visited the Municipality of Loulé for a day of engagement focused on climate action, water efficiency, and sustainable development. During her visit, she had the opportunity to witness firsthand the efforts and initiatives undertaken by the Municipality of Loulé to promote good practices already taking place in the municipality.

The Minister began her visit at the City Council, where she was welcomed by Loulé’s Mayor Vítor Aleixo. In a detailed presentation, the mayor outlined the municipality’s proactive Climate Action Policy, highlighting key strategies for adaptation and mitigation. Among the initiatives discussed were various measures aimed at water efficiency and drought prevention, the creation of protected areas and a focus on a Sustainability and Biodiversity agenda.

Expressing her appreciation for Loulé’s pioneering environmental efforts, Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho congratulated the mayor for its leadership. As the minister shared, “I am well aware of the concerns of the president, a great defender of climate issues and who helps to convey this message to young people in schools. Loulé is to be congratulated!”.

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Following the morning session, the Minister visited the Loulé Municipal Market, where she learned more about the ‘Algarvensis Geopark’ project. She then proceeded to Quarteira to explore the Arcaya development; a private real estate project designed with environmental sustainability at its core. Arcaya integrates a range of eco-friendly practices plus renewable energy solutions which are a fundamental aspect of the project. Loulé City Council has supported this pioneering initiative, recognising its potential as a model for future urban developments in Portugal.

Inauguration of the Passeio das Dunas’ Photovoltaic Plant

The day was concluded with the inauguration of the Passeio das Dunas’ Photovoltaic Plant in Vilamoura. This innovative project is another example of Loulé’s devotion to sustainability and renewable energy. Additionally, the energy produced by the central is intended to be shared among various Inframoura consumer facilities, reinforcing the concept of local energy communities.

As Maria da Graça Carvalho remarked, “This is the kind of project I really enjoy. While they may not be the largest contributors to our national energy targets, they engage the community, and that involvement is crucial for the energy transition. We need small photovoltaic systems in houses, apartments, building rooftops, parking lots (as it is the case of this photovoltaic plant), schools and supermarkets. That is the future! That is exactly what is happening here: the auto-consume, the share of energy and the energy communities”.

A sustainable vision for the future

Vítor Aleixo shares the same vision, reinforcing Loulé’s commitment to sustainability. As he stated, “Loulé Council does not support large-scale energy investments that cause significant landscape changes, destroy plant cover, and harm biodiversity. We prioritise small-scale photovoltaic projects and community-driven energy initiatives. Covering public buildings and collective housing units with solar panels is where we should focus our efforts”.

At the conclusion of her visit, Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho announced her intention to return to the Algarve for a biodiversity tour, with Loulé as a key stop. With around 64% of its territory classified as a protected area, Loulé sets an example for environmental conservation and sustainable development in Portugal.