Located in northern Portugal, the Riba d’Ave solar plant has already started operating, becoming BNZ’s first facility in the country. It generates enough clean energy to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 14,000 people — equivalent to one-third of Évora’s population.

The energy produced prevents the emission of 8,500 tonnes of CO₂ per year, equivalent to between 14,000 and 16,000 round-trip flights between Lisbon and London. In addition, the plant saves 14 million cubic metres of natural gas per year, which would otherwise be required to produce the same amount of energy through combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT).

During its construction phase, the plant generated between 270 and 370 direct and indirect jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

Beyond its economic impact in the region, BNZ remains firmly committed to community well-being and to supporting sustainable initiatives. In 2022 and 2023, we collaborated with Cuidar Maior, a project that supports informal caregivers of patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Since March 2023, we have also sponsored Riba d’Ave Hóquei Clube (RAHC), a local hockey club known for its youth training and sports development programmes.