After the formal presentations in Rybnik, all the work produced so far on the Comenius project was gathered and exhibited at school. Other important actions took place soon after, such as a field trip to Alqueva – the biggest European artificial lagoon (250 Km2) and the biggest water reservoir in Portugal and a visit to the solar photovoltaic plant in Amareleja.

As for the trip to Alqueva and the solar plant, we present one of our student’s report:

On the 10th February we went on a study trip to the Alqueva dam and the photovoltaic solar plant of Amareleja within the Comenius project. Our objective was to learn more about the environment and especially renewable energies, like solar energy and hydropower.

We left school around 7:30 am and we got to the photovoltaic solar plant at Amareleja, Moura, by 10:30 am. I really liked the time we were on the bus, as we were laughing all the time!

At the photovoltaic solar plant one of the pioneers of the project told us about its history:

The project started in 2000 but it took 6 years until the government gave them the piece of paper they needed (the establishment license) to sell their idea and consequently have the money to put their idea in progress. The company that bought their idea is ACCIONA, and when the photovoltaic solar plant was finished, it was the biggest in the world, with 250 ha.

In January 2009 they started producing energy.

To produce energy they have 2520 solar trackers, each one with 104 PV solar panels. They capture the solar radiation and the inverters in the transformation centers transform the solar radiation into energy.

This is a sustainable integrated project for the development of the region, and it is an environmentally friendly one. This photovoltaic solar plant helps the region and the country by:

·  Creating jobs;

·  Preventing the spending of millions of Euros in energy;

·  Contributing financially to the local council through payment of rent;

·  Helping the local businesses to flourish – it attracts visitors to the photovoltaic solar plant;

·  Developing industries, as panel manufacturing (assembling) takes place in the nearby town of Moura.

After the visit to the Photovoltaic solar plant, we had lunch at the village of Alqueva and went on a visit to the dam.

First we saw the dam itself and then we went on a guided tour with a representative of EDIA (entity responsible for the Alqueva).

Alentejo has many problems, among them:

·  low population density;

·  high unemployment rate;

·  Cyclic periods of drought;

·  High aging index…

The Alqueva project is a way of reducing these problems:

It contributes to minimize the consequences of drought. And by doing that, it calls farmers that want to explore new cultures and they end up investing their money in this area. Among these farmers there are some young people that contribute to reduce the high aging index.

By the end of 2015 the Alqueva project is expected to cover about 120000 Ha of the surrounding areas and 20 municipalities.

The Alqueva dam forms the largest artificial lake in Europe and it can store up to 4150 hm3 of water.

Objectives of the Alqueva project:

·  Create a strategic reserve of water;

·  Guarantee water supply to the population and industry;

·  Produce renewable energy;

·  Develop quality tourism;

·  Create the necessary conditions to the implementation of new agricultural crops (melon, grape, olive, citrus ...), specially crops that need more water;

Boost the labor market.

I just wish we had more time to conduct a more thorough visit of both the solar plant and the Alqueva dam!

Report made by:

Ana Sofia José,

11º F, nº 6