On May 5^th, 2023, international researchers from GECAD had the opportunity to participate in a study visit to the Alqueva Floating Solar Plant subsidized by the Master in Renewable Energy in ISEP. Among them were Claudia De Vizia of the Politecnico di Torino, Gabriel Figueiredo Puerta from São Paulo State University "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Lucas Zenichi Terada from State University of Campinas, and Qinghan Wang from University of Aalborg.

During the visit, the researchers were able to see closely the technology used in the installation of more than 12,000 floating photovoltaic panels, which form the largest floating PV park in Europe in a dam reservoir. The infrastructure needed for solar power generation, from the installation and maintenance of panels to the process of storing and distributing energy, was also presented to the researchers. They were able to see in practice how clean energy is produced and how it contributes to sustainability and preservation of the environment.

We are confident that this experience is highly valuable for renewable energy research and for training researchers in areas critical to the future of the planet. Through initiatives like this, we can encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among international researchers, which is crucial for developing sustainable solutions for global challenges.