Work will begin next year on the construction of the world’s largest solar energy station.

The 62 MW, £170m plant, close to the southern Portuguese town of Moura in the Alentejo region, will incorporate 350,000 solar panels spread over an area the size of 150 football pitches. It will provide enough electricity to power 21,000 homes.

The Girassol plant will be 12 times the size of the largest solar power station currently in operation in Leipzig, Germany.

It is hoped the electricity produced will be sold into the national grid at a premium rate to reflect its green credentials.

  • Winters may soon be a lot brighter for residents of Viganella, a small hamlet in the Italian Alps. From November to February, residents are left in permanent gloom when sunlight is blocked by a mountain ridge above the village. However, this could all change if plans to install a giant mirror go ahead. The mirror, which would be hidden from view by trees, will track the sun and reflect rays into the village piazza. Plans are on hold until funding can be found to cover the £63 000 cost.

Source

Building Sustainable Design