Azorean island soon to be powered mainly by wind and sun/ Head of government embraces future of energy supply/ Younicos-designed microgrid system provides grid-forming capability
Berlin (Germany), Austin, TX and Lisbon (Portugal), April 29, 2016 – The Prime Minister of Portugal, Dr. António Costa, as well as the President of the Azorean Government, Dr. Vasco Cordeiro, and other high-level country officials have today visited the world’s first megawatt-scale grid-forming renewable energy system, which is currently being constructed on the Azorean island of Graciosa. They were joined by executives from EDA, the island’s utility, system architect Younicos, Swiss company Leclanché, the battery energy storage system provider, as well as Recharge, the Danish majority investor in the project.
The visit enabled Younicos to showcase the capabilities and benefits of the groundbreaking project. The “island-mode” capability of the project’s intelligent battery system will enable up to 100 percent spontaneous renewable energy generation, making it possible for the Portuguese island to replace an average of 65 percent of its fossil fuel power with cheaper and cleaner renewable energy – saving millions of euros and tons of CO2. This system can be easily replicated on other islands with the same kind of benefits, and the same technology can be used to support mainland grids.
“We are honored to host these distinguished officials and guests and give them an up-close look at the future of renewable energy-based systems,” said Stephen Prince, Younicos CEO. “This island is breathtakingly beautiful – even more so now that its electricity can be generated primarily from abundant natural resources like wind and solar. Our intelligent software controls are the key to capitalizing on renewables, maintaining grid resilience, reducing emissions and saving money.”
A 1-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic power plant and 3.2 MWh of lithium-ion batteries have already been installed on the island. A 4.5 MW wind park is currently under construction. Once the system is completed Younicos software and controls will enable the grid-forming battery power plant provided by Leclanché to balance short-term power fluctuations, allowing the island to be powered by wind and solar energy – with existing diesel assets needed only for back-up power during prolonged periods of unfavorable weather. Commissioning is expected in summer 2016.
About Younicos
Younicos is a global leader for intelligent energy storage and grid solutions. Clients benefit from technical expertise, commercial know-how and in-depth experience built on nearly 100 megawatts installed in more than 20 energy storage projects worldwide. The company was founded in 2005 in Berlin, Germany, and currently employs more than 150 storage enthusiasts there and in Austin, Texas (USA). For more information please visit http://www.younicos.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
About Leclanché
Leclanché is a fully vertically integrated battery energy storage solution provider. It delivers a wide range of turnkey energy storage solutions for homes, small offices, large industries, electricity grids, as well as hybridization for mass transport systems such as bus fleets and ferries. Established in 1909, Leclanché has been a reliable partner for battery energy storage solutions for over 100 years. Founded in the tradition of Georges Leclanché, the inventor of the dry cell battery, Leclanché today has a rich portfolio of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) that include bespoke battery systems from industry leading lithium-ion solutions.
About Recharge: Investing in a sustainable futuree
Recharge is a Danish company that invests in sustainable, green and clean energy systems with strong impact potential. At Recharge we believe in a sustainable approach to the environmental challenges the world faces today and in the future. A shift to greener and cleaner energy demands dedication, ambition and knowledge about complex structures. We have a strong understanding of the mechanisms and administrative procedures of a sustainable future that is already rapidly developing. Recharge is owned by Howard Scott & Partners Ltd which reduces Co2 emissions through clean energy solutions. www.howardscott.com
