Some populations in Guarda parishes are angry against the laying of a new high voltage line. They claim health risks, as the route passes very close to homes and farms. In some locations, as has already happened in Minho, there is the possibility of going to court against Rede Elétrica Nacional (REN).
The future layout of the high voltage line is causing great concern among residents, who fear that the region will become a kind of “microwave”. More than 20 years after the first installation, REN proposes an increase in electricity transport, which would cross areas very close to homes. This is the case in the parish of Panoias, where the high voltage line crosses land, including a lot where the owner had plans to build a house. Furthermore, the line passes next to a house where a family has lived for 14 years.
The Brazilian Environment Agency (APA), which prepared the environmental impact study, opened a public consultation between January and March this year. However, the parish of Panoias was not informed about the process, as there were no notices from the City Hall and the public consultation went unnoticed by the population. Now an appeal to the courts is being considered.
The route of the line, which goes from Fundão to Vilarouco, crosses 11 parishes in the municipality of Guarda, which accuse the APA of discrimination. According to the populations, only the village of Arrifana was contacted during the public consultation, which generated criticism about the lack of involvement of other localities.
The Guarda Municipal Council issued a favorable opinion at the beginning of the year, ensuring that all laws and regulations were being complied with. Although the process is very advanced, local authorities still have some hope for changes to the project. The high voltage line aims to increase the capacity to transport electricity generated by photovoltaic fields that are being installed in the region. In addition to Fundão and Covilhã, new solar energy fields will be installed in Benespera, Guarda and Pinhel.
The Portuguese Environment Agency, contacted by SIC, did not respond in useful time.
