Vasco Cordeiro announces project to make Graciosa “model island” of electric mobility
The President of the Government announced today the implementation of a project on the island of Graciosa with the aim of making this island a model of innovative electric mobility solutions, based on the sustainable use of natural resources.
This 'model island' will consist of the implementation of a pilot project based on innovative and emerging electric mobility solutions, harnessing the island's own characteristics to adopt this type of mobility,” said Vasco Cordeiro, who spoke at the opening of Graciólica, a private investment in energy production, combining several renewable sources with battery storage systems.
In this regard, the President of the Government stated that a programme will be implemented in conjunction with the Santa Cruz Town Council to support the increase of sustainable mobility on Graciosa's public transport network, including buses and taxis. Moreover, it also focuses on the development of innovative solutions in the tourism sector, such as the provision of electric bicycles and the increase of electric vehicles in tourist animation companies, among other measures.
On the second day of the statutory visit to this island, Vasco Cordeiro stressed the alignment of the Graciólica project with the Government's policy for this sector that is being implemented throughout the Region.
"This moment is particularly important, not only because of the project itself, but also because it is aligned with the strategy that the Government has set out in its Programme and that has been implemented over time," noted the President of the Government.
“Over the past 10 years, we have grown 10 percentage points in terms of energy production from renewable sources, which is the result of a strategy that has been followed and that has had important partners, such as the EDA Group, but also the Graciólica project,” emphasised Vasco Cordeiro.
Graciólica is a private investment that has been recognised as being of regional interest, with an overall budget of 22.5 million Euros, having received financial support amounting to 4.5 million Euros.
With an installed capacity of 5.5 MW and the prospects of contributing to around 65% of the electricity generated on the island from renewable sources, this project includes a hybrid system for wind and photovoltaic generation as well as a battery bank for storing energy. It will strongly contribute to the increase in the percentage of renewable energy sources for the overall regional energy production